Baseball question for American bouncers - HibeesBounce.com

**SG7nil** · 09-08-07, 04:57

I'm watching the live baseball that we get through the night and although I've been watching the games for a few yeras now, there are still a couple of rules that I haven't quite got to grips with....

1. When is it ok to steal a base?

I assume that there are times when the ball is officially dead and it's not OK for a runner to just go?

Also, if the batter hits a ball that goes foul, the runner has to go back, but what if he'd already made the base before the ball went out?

2. In the National League, the Pitcher has to bat, but when you get to the bottom of the ninth and you don't have to pitch again, what's to stop you putting in a designated hitter and claiming that he's actually a pitcher?

I'm just a bit confused but I'm sure you guys can explain.

Colr · 09-08-07, 08:36

Why is it that American baseball players feel the need to spit all the time and constantly "adjust themselves"? Its quite off putting and the Canadian players don't seem to have the need to check their spare bat all the time.

superbam · 09-08-07, 08:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG7nil

I'm watching the live baseball that we get through the night and although I've been watching the games for a few yeras now, there are still a couple of rules that I haven't quite got to grips with....

1. When is it ok to steal a base?

I assume that there are times when the ball is officially dead and it's not OK for a runner to just go?

Also, if the batter hits a ball that goes foul, the runner has to go back, but what if he'd already made the base before the ball went out?

2. In the National League, the Pitcher has to bat, but when you get to the bottom of the ninth and you don't have to pitch again, what's to stop you putting in a designated hitter and claiming that he's actually a pitcher?

I'm just a bit confused but I'm sure you guys can explain.

Its ok to steal a base when the pitcher has gone into motion or has his foot on the white rubber on the mound.

If the ball goes foul the runner has to go back regardless

dinnae ken bout number two but im sure its not allowed

mon the phillies

**wee 162** · 09-08-07, 09:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG7nil

I'm watching the live baseball that we get through the night and although I've been watching the games for a few yeras now, there are still a couple of rules that I haven't quite got to grips with....

1. When is it ok to steal a base?

I assume that there are times when the ball is officially dead and it's not OK for a runner to just go?

Also, if the batter hits a ball that goes foul, the runner has to go back, but what if he'd already made the base before the ball went out?

2. In the National League, the Pitcher has to bat, but when you get to the bottom of the ninth and you don't have to pitch again, what's to stop you putting in a designated hitter and claiming that he's actually a pitcher?

I'm just a bit confused but I'm sure you guys can explain.

Superbam is spot on about #1.

#2 Happens regularly through a game not just in the 9th Inning. If someone is batting in the bottom of the 9th (which will always be the home side) it means that at best they are level and will usually be losing. If the game is tied after the 9th they can just put in another pitcher into that spot for extra innings.

In the National League they also quite regularly do something called a double switch when the pitcher is due up to bat. What that entails is getting a pinch hitter into the pitchers spot in the batting order and after the inning is over putting him at a position in the field. They then put in a new pitcher in a spot in the position which has been replaced in the batting order. You don't have to swap players position for position at all and it's easiest to think of the batting line up and field positions as two entirely seperate entities with the same players in them.

HenryLB · 09-08-07, 10:14

Al is, as so often with the world of sports, and so rarely with the world of affairs, completely correct.

What baseball teams do people here favour? I like the Mets because I went to watch them some years ago, and the Oakland A's in the AL, maybe because they seem a little bit like Hibs - good youth system, grand-ish history.

**Dub** · 09-08-07, 10:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by wee 162

Superbam is spot on about #1.

#2 Happens regularly through a game not just in the 9th Inning. If someone is batting in the bottom of the 9th (which will always be the home side) it means that at best they are level and will usually be losing. If the game is tied after the 9th they can just put in another pitcher into that spot for extra innings.

In the National League they also quite regularly do something called a double switch when the pitcher is due up to bat. What that entails is getting a pinch hitter into the pitchers spot in the batting order and after the inning is over putting him at a position in the field. They then put in a new pitcher in a spot in the position which has been replaced in the batting order. You don't have to swap players position for position at all and it's easiest to think of the batting line up and field positions as two entirely seperate entities with the same players in them.

Thats cleared that up then

**wee 162** · 09-08-07, 10:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryLB

Al is, as so often with the world of sports, and so rarely with the world of affairs, completely correct.

What baseball teams do people here favour? I like the Mets because I went to watch them some years ago, and the Oakland A's in the AL, maybe because they seem a little bit like Hibs - good youth system, grand-ish history.

Red Sox for me and it was since they got beat in the 85 World Series in a way that I thought was exclusively reserved for Hibs...

They also have given me faith about us actually winning the Scottish Cup since they won the WS a couple of years ago for the first time in 80odd years! Plus their nearest neighbours and rivals are canutes. And Fenway looks the closest to the East Terracing as anything in baseball.

HenryLB · 09-08-07, 11:41

Yeah I'll always support the Red Sox against the Yankees. The other team I like is the Tokyo Yakult Swallows who I went to watch a couple of months ago - they're a bit like the Red Sox but in Japan. I also went to Daisuke Matsuzaka's local bar/restaurant and ate a fish his dad caught

garethni · 09-08-07, 11:58

Did anyone see Bonds last night?!?!?!

Hit a home run with the ball landing in San Francisco Bay!

Hampden_Hibby · 09-08-07, 12:50

Wikipedia has a comprehensive page for anyone interested in the game.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball

Like Al, the Red Sox for me too.

**Decal Joe** · 09-08-07, 13:10

Another Red Sox man here!

Been to Fenway a few times and even stood up on top of the 'Green Monstah' the last time I was there!

Obviously going with the territory I have a passionate dislike for all things Yankees and it annoys me seeing all their merchandising in the UK, they're the OF of baseball!!!

superbam · 09-08-07, 13:22

Phillies for me, half my family is from Philadelphia. They became officially the biggest losers of all time in American sport the other week.

HenryLB · 09-08-07, 14:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbam

Phillies for me, half my family is from Philadelphia. They became officially the biggest losers of all time in American sport the other week.

Perhaps your family should stop playing sport...

Sorry

OxgangsHibby · 09-08-07, 14:40

It's the NEW YORK YANKEES FOR ME

**Decal Joe** · 09-08-07, 15:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by OxgangsHibby

It's the NEW YORK YANKEES FOR ME

BOO!

wvkeeper · 09-08-07, 18:53

Pittsburgh Pirates...

BVilleggiante · 09-08-07, 19:21

Being from San Francisco...LET"S GO GIANTS!!!

Burbank Lilywhite · 09-08-07, 21:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG7nil

I'm watching the live baseball that we get through the night and although I've been watching the games for a few yeras now, there are still a couple of rules that I haven't quite got to grips with....

Quote:

1. When is it ok to steal a base?

Anytime the pitcher toes the rubber (white bit on the pitcher's mound), or if the ball is still considered 'live' regardless of the pitcher's location. For example several years ago David Cone while pitching for the NY Mets was arguing a call at first base, the ball the was still 'live' and the runners were able to steal bases even though he was not on the mound.

Quote:

I assume that there are times when the ball is officially dead and it's not OK for a runner to just go?

You are correct

Quote:

Also, if the batter hits a ball that goes foul, the runner has to go back, but what if he'd already made the base before the ball went out?

He still must return to his previous base. The only time a runner can advance on a foul ball is if they successfully advance on a fly ball caught in foul territory.

Quote:

2. In the National League, the Pitcher has to bat, but when you get to the bottom of the ninth and you don't have to pitch again, what's to stop you putting in a designated hitter and claiming that he's actually a pitcher?

No. You can remove the pitcher for a pinch hitter but will have to replace the pitcher should the game advance to the next inning.

Ali · 09-08-07, 23:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by HenryLB

Al is, as so often with the world of sports, and so rarely with the world of affairs, completely correct.

What baseball teams do people here favour? I like the Mets because I went to watch them some years ago, and the Oakland A's in the AL, maybe because they seem a little bit like Hibs - good youth system, grand-ish history.

The Atlanta Braves, obviously. I've been to a few games, although wouldn't call myself a fan....unless they make it to the World Series of course!

Burbank Lilywhite · 09-08-07, 23:49

Yankees for me, lived in the Bronx there could be no other.

Before other bouncers go on about them being the OF actually if there is a team that is most like the OF with bigotry and hatred it would be the Boston Red Sox. Last team to integrate, among some of the most bigotted owners in the league thoroughout their history.

**SG7nil** · 10-08-07, 10:07

Thanks guys, that clears it up somewhat... bottom line appears to be with double switching etc. there's some "legalised cheating" allowed.

**wee 162** · 10-08-07, 11:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by SG7nil

Thanks guys, that clears it up somewhat... bottom line appears to be with double switching etc. there's some "legalised cheating" allowed.

It's no really though. You've only got 25 players that you can pick from, and any of them are allowed to play anywhere you want, but once you sub them they can't take any more part in a game.

Of those 25 players, there are usually 5 starting pitchers who are pretty much only available on the day they are due to pitch due to problems with injuries, and you've got usually 6 or 7 other pitchers who will pitch to finish a game after the starting pitcher reaches the limit of their pitch count (usually around 100 pitches). Of the relievers there is usually a hierarchy which goes "closer" (usually their best reliever who tends to pitch the last inning only when a team is ahead in a close game) "set-up guy" (next best one or two relievers who pitch late on in games but usually only in close games) "middle relievers" (couple of decentish pitchers who are quite often pretty inconsistent) and a "mop up pitcher" (pitcher who can throw a few innings but are usually only brought in when the game is either being heavily lost or winning). So most teams only have two or three really good reliable pitchers available after the starting pitcher so if you put someone in to pinch hit

09-08-07, 10:14	#5
HenryLB On the Wagon Radge Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London Posts: 3,404 Casino cash: £1085 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 10	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Al is, as so often with the world of sports, and so rarely with the world of affairs, completely correct. What baseball teams do people here favour? I like the Mets because I went to watch them some years ago, and the Oakland A's in the AL, maybe because they seem a little bit like Hibs - good youth system, grand-ish history. __________________ At Easter Road they stay...

09-08-07, 11:41	#8
HenryLB On the Wagon Radge Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: London Posts: 3,404 Casino cash: £1085 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 10	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Yeah I'll always support the Red Sox against the Yankees. The other team I like is the Tokyo Yakult Swallows who I went to watch a couple of months ago - they're a bit like the Red Sox but in Japan. I also went to Daisuke Matsuzaka's local bar/restaurant and ate a fish his dad caught __________________ At Easter Road they stay...

09-08-07, 11:58	#9
garethni Heavenly Radge and all round bampot! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Dunfermline, Fife Age: 23 Posts: 970 Casino cash: £407 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 4	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Did anyone see Bonds last night?!?!?! Hit a home run with the ball landing in San Francisco Bay!

09-08-07, 12:50	#10
Hampden_Hibby A True Gadgie/Gadgess Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: . Posts: 3,985 Casino cash: £5180 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 61 Times in 26 Posts Rep Power: 14	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Wikipedia has a comprehensive page for anyone interested in the game. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baseball Like Al, the Red Sox for me too.

09-08-07, 13:10	#11
Decal Joe Snuff Munching Radge Join Date: May 2005 Location: Currie Posts: 4,876 Casino cash: £4607 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 6 Thanked 29 Times in 9 Posts Rep Power: 11	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Another Red Sox man here! Been to Fenway a few times and even stood up on top of the 'Green Monstah' the last time I was there! Obviously going with the territory I have a passionate dislike for all things Yankees and it annoys me seeing all their merchandising in the UK, they're the OF of baseball!!!

09-08-07, 04:57	#1
SG7nil Pedantic Fact Hunting Radge Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Where the Chief puts the Sunshine Posts: 2,426 Casino cash: £205 vCash: 10000 My Mood: Thanks: 123 Thanked 107 Times in 56 Posts Rep Power: 7	Baseball question for American bouncers I'm watching the live baseball that we get through the night and although I've been watching the games for a few yeras now, there are still a couple of rules that I haven't quite got to grips with.... 1. When is it ok to steal a base? I assume that there are times when the ball is officially dead and it's not OK for a runner to just go? Also, if the batter hits a ball that goes foul, the runner has to go back, but what if he'd already made the base before the ball went out? 2. In the National League, the Pitcher has to bat, but when you get to the bottom of the ninth and you don't have to pitch again, what's to stop you putting in a designated hitter and claiming that he's actually a pitcher? I'm just a bit confused but I'm sure you guys can explain.

09-08-07, 08:36	#2
Colr The Radge Doon the Road Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: London Age: 41 Posts: 19,593 Casino cash: £32268 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 36	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Why is it that American baseball players feel the need to spit all the time and constantly "adjust themselves"? Its quite off putting and the Canadian players don't seem to have the need to check their spare bat all the time. __________________ There is a simple answer to every question..........and it's wrong. Einstein

09-08-07, 13:22	#12
superbam A True Gadgie/Gadgess Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: The Banks of the Liffey Age: 25 Posts: 1,628 Casino cash: £2188 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 6	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Phillies for me, half my family is from Philadelphia. They became officially the biggest losers of all time in American sport the other week. __________________ Muidne Ba Thuisce A Chaithan An Uaithne www.stpatsfc.com

09-08-07, 14:40	#14
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09-08-07, 18:53	#16
wvkeeper Toddler Radge Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA, US Age: 28 Posts: 167 Casino cash: £255 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Rep Power: 3	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Pittsburgh Pirates... __________________ Glory Glory to the Hibees!!!! Association Football Champions of the World!

09-08-07, 19:21	#17
BVilleggiante Juvenile Radge Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: San Francisco Age: 26 Posts: 283 Casino cash: £2080 vCash: 10000 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post Rep Power: 2	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Being from San Francisco...LET"S GO GIANTS!!!

09-08-07, 23:49	#20
Burbank Lilywhite Survivor Radge Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Corner of Bite Me Blvd and No Friggin Way Age: 46 Posts: 4,717 Casino cash: £3708 vCash: 10000 My Mood: Thanks: 61 Thanked 60 Times in 29 Posts Rep Power: 18	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Yankees for me, lived in the Bronx there could be no other. Before other bouncers go on about them being the OF actually if there is a team that is most like the OF with bigotry and hatred it would be the Boston Red Sox. Last team to integrate, among some of the most bigotted owners in the league thoroughout their history. __________________ *Fck Cancer Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. I didn't have to survive cancer. It had to survive me.**

10-08-07, 10:07	#21
SG7nil Pedantic Fact Hunting Radge Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Where the Chief puts the Sunshine Posts: 2,426 Casino cash: £205 vCash: 10000 My Mood: Thanks: 123 Thanked 107 Times in 56 Posts Rep Power: 7	Re: Baseball question for American bouncers Thanks guys, that clears it up somewhat... bottom line appears to be with double switching etc. there's some "legalised cheating" allowed.