Helping out the other team

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Jul 15, 2016
115
18
We played a team this weekend that should not have been in this particular tourney (or any other tourney for that matter). We got up big in the first, batting the order before even getting an out. My question is this...is it better to start stepping off for outs, or letting the girls hit but holding them on base? I can see it from both sides. We don't want to run up the score but it can also be embarrassing (to them) if we are stepping off for outs 3 times an inning. Thanks for the help!
 
May 1, 2018
659
63
To me it depends on the age. I'm not a big fan of stepping off for an out. The other team might need the reps in the field, to see situations, try out different girls in different spots. Base to base for me.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
We played a team this weekend that should not have been in this particular tourney (or any other tourney for that matter). We got up big in the first, batting the order before even getting an out. My question is this...is it better to start stepping off for outs, or letting the girls hit but holding them on base? I can see it from both sides. We don't want to run up the score but it can also be embarrassing (to them) if we are stepping off for outs 3 times an inning. Thanks for the help!

Step off the bases. Let your girls hit away normally, take 1st base, and when they get on, step them off.

If you are clearly better - don't wait to get up a run rule score either. Get 6-8 runs, step off and then do it again next inning. They don't need to be out there in the field for an hour while you score 12-15 all at once to get to a run rule score - let them go hit, get your three outs and do it again.

The macho coach BS about reps and other garbage like 'being embarrassed' is just that. Another game error isn't going to make them any better either way. Guarantee the girls are all fine with it - it is only adults who ever get all worked up about it.

We are lucky that locally stepping off is accepted and no one ever says anything. In fact if you don't (as some new coaches do) you will get others approaching you highly encouraging you to do so. Part of it here is that it is 100+ degrees starting in about 2 weeks time, so making a team field for an hour is close to child abuse.

EDIT: It doesn't really matter what age group either. It is done in 8U through 18U and HS here. If they are over-matched, they are over-matched. Get your runs, and get out in the field.
 
Jul 15, 2016
115
18
The macho coach BS about reps and other garbage like 'being embarrassed' is just that. Another game error isn't going to make them any better either way. Guarantee the girls are all fine with it - it is only adults who ever get all worked up about it.

Please note that "macho coach BS" was not the intent of the OP. It was simply an etiquette question in the hopes of ending a difficult game (on both sides) amicably.
 
Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
EDIT: It doesn't really matter what age group either. It is done in 8U through 18U and HS here. If they are over-matched, they are over-matched. Get your runs, and get out in the field.

At the younger ages do they not have per inning run limits? For 10U here in OK it is usually 5 or 6 runs per inning depending on the tournament.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Please note that "macho coach BS" was not the intent of the OP. It was simply an etiquette question in the hopes of ending a difficult game (on both sides) amicably.

Sorry if it looked like I was l saying something about the OP (which was not my intent).

This is always the only argument people give against stepping off is that somehow you are embarrassing the other team. And it is never for the team in front who just want the game over so they can move on - it is all about how the losing team reacts.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Hit ground balls and give them opportunities to make some outs. If your players are unable to hit a ground ball in the infield your team is not that good. Failing their ability to make some outs on the ground balls, then step off. DO NOT play small ball, hit from opposite side, take bases on passed balls, etc.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
Do what you would want the other team to do to you because I assure you it will happen to you at some point.
 
Dec 18, 2016
163
28
This is always a tough one. Our team has been on the winning side of these a few times and recently found ourselves on the losing side. The winning team was up by 8 or so...not enough to run rule. I typically have no expectation of the other team taking it easy, but apparently the umpire thought he should. BR on 1st and 3rd and the girl from first goes to second and the ump calls her out for leaving early. Later on he came to me and told me, that the girl didn't leave early but thought the other team should have done it on their own.

Fast forward to last inning and they're up 15-3 and we're home. We hang 7 on them and make it look a little more respectable. Kinda chuckled at the thought if we could have tied it for an ITB or won it in the last inning.

We have stepped off early and bunted to try and get outs. Will have to try the hitting ground balls thing. May be interesting.....
 

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