Hello Fastpitch Readers,
Some crazy things have been going on lately in the fastpitch world. Tonight in a game in Poynette the Number nine batter failed to appear in her first due up at bat of the game. The leadoff batter was in there instead and worked the count to 2-2 before the Pumas’ coaching staff caught the mistake. The Poynette coach, that would be me, called for time out and got the number nine batter up there according to Rule 7-1-2 which says: After the first inning, the first batter each inning shall be the player whose name follow that of the last batter who completed her turn at bat in the preceding inning. Penalties: A batter shall be called out on appeal when she fails to bat in her proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in her place. Note: Only the defensive team may appeal out of order after the batter has completed her time at bat.
In the game today the offensive team noted the mistake and corrected it before the wrong batter had completed a turn at bat. The correct batter quickly hit the first pitch to her off the fence in leftfield for a two-run double
Elsewhere in the state a coach who wears his cap with the bill to the back and the logo to the front was told that he had to turn his cap around. It’s the fourth, fifth or sixth time in the last three or four years where an umpire insisted that he must turn his cap around. This week he was told that he was disrespecting the game and answered, “You don’t even know me, I love this game.” Great answer!
There is a difference between NFHS rules and that of the NCAA. Here is an example that a well-known umpire friend of mine has experienced this season at the college level. In NFHS rules if a coach fails to list a player on the official lineup/roster card before the game starts they can still add a player or players to the card one time during the game without penalty. A second instance restricts the player to be added and the coach to the dugout/bench area. In NCAA if a player is not listed they can’t play in the game and if subsituted in would be an illegal substitute. My well-known and good friend the umpire had a game where his partner allowed a collegiate player to be added to the card and she was allowed to play. Later a very wise opposing coach waited then pointed out that the addition of that player to the card and subsequent substitution of that player meant that she could appeal a play that the substitute was involved in and that would man the illegal sub would be ejected. After consulting the rulebook etc. the rule was enforced, the player was ejected. A few games later in a different game with different teams my well-known umpiring friend had a collegiate coach come up to him and ask for his pen so he/she could add a player to the lineup card that had been omitted. My well-known, respected and good friend the umpire said, “Sorry, that can’t happen!” He’d never seen that happen in decades of working games.
It’s like I always say and pointed out by the way just today by Ken up in Park Falls. If you keep going to the ballyard you’re bound to see something you’ve never seen before.
Holly Brickson of Stoughton has had a great start to the season. She’s been in double figure strikeouts in each of her outings. Tonight she nipped Madison Edgewood 4-3 in nine innings and fanned 23 Crusader batters.
I received this email from Duke Boettcher at Milwaukee King.
Hey Bob, I had someone hit for the cycle today (first one I've had in my 13 years of coaching at Milwaukee King). Sophomore catcher Isabel St. Arnold had a home run, a double, a triple, and then a single (4 for 4 with 5 RBIs). In the same game vs. Bay View, we turned a triple play. With the bases loaded and no one out Junior pitcher Amber Heun fielded a ground ball, threw it home to Sophomore Samantha Ewig for out number 1. Samantha then rifled it to Junior 3B Kayla Cotton for out number 2. Kayla then threw it to Sophomore 1B Rayne Deffenbaugh for the third out.
Have you ever heard of an automatic under the fence home run? Sounds crazy right? Seems like that sounds like a ground rule double really. Here is what happened at Olbrich Park in Madison recently. Here is a note from a fan that was at that game.
Verona Sr. hits unique homer in white-hot start
We often cheer on a batter, telling her to 'knock one over the fence'!
In this case however - it went under the fence.
Verona senior center-fielder Heather Rudnicki hit a home run 225 feet at Olbrich Park in Madison, WI under the fence. The hit was a lead-off shot at the top of the second inning during a Thursday, April 14 game facing Madison East. The hit sailed deep into center field, rolled to the fence and managed to find a rabbit hole. As Rudnicki was racing to third, the umpire crew declared the home run. At that time, it gave Verona a 6-0 lead over East. The Wildcats eventually secured the win 13-4.
The home run is just one example of the white-hot start Rudnicki is having her senior season.
After two games, she is literally batting 1.000 in Big 8 play. On Tuesday, April 12, she went 3-for-3 against Beloit Memorial with a single, triple and double, in that order. She collected 12 bags in that contest, in addition to an outfield assist to the catcher that put a Beloit Memorial runner out to dry between home and third. Rudnicki went 3-for-3 against East, including the homer and two singles. She was walked in her third appearance at the plate. That game added 16 bases to her season total.
Thanks to the fan for sending it in.
From my perspective I think it should have been ruled a "Ground Hog Double."
Hey
Have a great day!
Keep it Rising!
Bob
