WWTBAM Bored

As of now, there is officially a new way (only in the Atlantic League, and only in 2019. So far.) for a batter to reach first base. So it's possible there will soon be 9 ways to reach first.

I don’t think I care for this new rule. —Bob

Bob78164 wrote:I don’t think I care for this new rule. —Bob

Part of the appeal of baseball is the permanence of the rules. With the exception of the designated hitter, they play the game today with almost exactly the same rules as when Babe Ruth was playing. Tinkering with the rules as with the three-batter rule pitchers have to face threatens to change the game, and if they dont' watch it, it will resemble something out of a circus sideshow.

The minor leagues aren't the only place where baseball tradition is threatened.

Juiced balls squeezing the life from baseball’s magical balance

(If a firewall appears I'll copy the whole column.)

For me, the worst aspect of today's game is the emphasis on dingers. Batters started crying when defenses shifted, because they are so obsessed with power that hardly anyone can hit a plain old base hit anymore. I said if you were a better hitter who could hit to the opposite field, bunt, and be a complete hitter, they wouldn't shift.

Be better.*

I just glanced at the TV and they showed a chart of where Bryce Harper hits, to explain why the Dodgers had shifted. Dividing the field into equal fifths, he hits down the third base line and to that fifth of the field FOUR PERCENT of the time. That is not the Dodgers' fault. It is his.

Apologies to anyone who loves him, but he is a big ole punk even though he is a little bit dreamy.

All of that is a long way to say I'm kind of a fan of the concept of stealing first base. I'm not sure it's connected.



*This is the same thing I said to white students who complained that they didn't get into Michigan State law school (or to my own students who didn't get in to UNC and had to come to UNC Charlotte) because someone of color got their spot. I said if you are that good, they have to let you in. Be better.

Also, it doesn't matter nearly as much as anyone thinks, where you go to school. It just doesn't.

I don't particularly care for the "stealing first on a passed ball" rule but it won't prevent me from enjoying the game. It will be interesting to see how that works in different ballparks since the distance and behind home plate and composition of the backstop varies. The home team will have an advantage with a better feel for how a particular passed ball will play off the backstop.

I love the three batter rule. Relieving has become too much a lefty vs righty decision depending on the next one batter. The Astros seem to be the worst, bringing in a specialist to get one particular batter. Having to endure 2 pitching changes in an inning is B.O.R.I.N.G.

Ritterskoop wrote:Also, it doesn't matter nearly as much as anyone thinks, where you go to school. It just doesn't.

I think there are exceptions to this rule. Over the years, I've learned that when I need to talk to engineers or other techies who may be witnesses in my cases, it's a really good idea for me to get my alma mater on the table as soon as possible. I can sometimes see their shoulders relax when they realize that they're talking to a lawyer who can speak their language and it saves me a lot of time and trouble proving the fact to their satisfaction. I don't think I'd get that effect from most schools. --Bob