Pitching Rubbers

[tomzpc]

Our 9 and 10 yo rec teams will be playing a bunch of their games on the school's jv field which has a pitching rubber set at 40'. It may even be 43' now from the recent changes, not sure, but that doesn't matter for this discussion since we'll be using 35'.

I'm wondering if the portable pitching plates that come with the three screw in spikes are okay to use for a game or are they unstable? If not, are there any other non-permanent options out there? Since it's a school field and not a town field we aren't allowed to dig up the circle to put in a pitching rubber, even if it was a game to game thing. They are extremely sensitive about us doing anything to the field even if we were to "repair" it afterwards.

Tom

 

[Amy in AZ.]

Yes, they are stable. Just use a rubber mallet on them and not a hammer.

Here are some thoughts on portable pitching plates. http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-discussions/2802-portable-pitching-rubber.html

 

[tomzpc]

Yes, they are stable. Just use a rubber mallet on them and not a hammer.

Here are some thoughts on portable pitching plates. http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-discussions/2802-portable-pitching-rubber.html

Thanks Amy!

 

[tomzpc]

Amy, I found this quote of yours below from the thread you linked:

You know the pitcher's plates that have 3 screw in pegs? I throw those away and drill a hole in each corner of the rubber. Then, I purchase 6 inch nails called, Texas Tacs. I "nail" the rubber to the ground, and that way it is easy to pull up.

Do you think that this is something that we should consider doing or are the 3 screw in spikes sufficient for game use? I don't have the rubber with me but I'm guessing that the screw in spikes are maybe 3" long???

 

[Wookie]

Get something like this:

Champro Youth Movable Baseball Pitcher's Rubbers (RMP) - Baseball Equipment and Gear

It only has two stakes to hold it down, and can easily be removed - maybe leave two holes in the dirt which can easily be filled in. Also, if you live in a cold climate and need to pitch indoors over the winter, you can tape this down onto a floor with duct tape and it will hold.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

The Champro isn't bad. Just make certain that it is the softball one.

I use the commercial spikes until someone comes along and tries to pound them in the ground with a hammer. They tear right out that way. Then, after they are broken, I drill the holes and recycle them.

Always use a rubber mallet.

(I have a lot more useless knowledge, like this.)

 

[tomzpc]

This is the one that we picked up locally. Amazon.com: Rubber Pitchers Plate - Official Size: Sports & Outdoors

Hopefully it will do the trick.