Clock

[MTR]

The intent of this rule has nothing to do with the way it is usually interpreted. This rule was written BEFORE time limits were applied to games. The words DELAY and HASTEN. How can getting an out delay a game? It doesn't, it may prolong the game but certainly not delay it. Delay= stop, stall, or temporarily suspend;

Yeah, that is why "hasten" was added later as it was not part of the rule early on.

Hasten= to speed up. The rule was written BEFORE lights were common at ballparks. The intent of the rule was to keep visiting teams from slowing down play until it was too dark for home team to bat. Giving an unfair advantage to visiting team.

This argument doesn't hold water. There is no unfair advantage as the home team, even 70+ years ago, had to have an equal number of at bats as the visiting team unless they were in the lead.

In today's time limit game, it has no place. Home always gets last bat, unless drop dead. But that completely goes against why this rule was written. Calling time out is delaying the game and by your interpretation you can be justified in making a team forfiet. Wait a minute, "time out"? Doesn't that mean time is out, as in stopped? So if the game clock was actually stopped, like it is supposed to be, then this rule would still be valid. If you don't stop the clock, then they are delaying the game and it by not calling it you are negating this rule. The powers that be have tried to trim things (time outs without stopping clock) and unintended consequences are rules that no longer have effect or are unevenly applied. Give me an example of something that hastens the game..

Actually, adding "hasten" makes no sense unless there is a clock in play. So, yeah, these rules probably are meant for today's games especially since they are still in the rule book, and not just one, but (again) ASA, NCAA, NFHS & ISF. There is no mention of a clock or time-limit in ISF or NCAA and yet, it is in their rule book.

Personally, I believe the rule is there is a tool to keep the game in check and not have it turn into a circus. You know, there are people who actually believe in the integrity of the game as a sports competition.

 

[Easton33]

Thank you..

 

[Easton33]

Thank you..