NationStates Jolt Archive


Screwing around w/ baseball, olympic style...

Daistallia 2104
27-07-2008, 16:00
The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) announced today that it is introducing an extra-inning tie-breaker format

July 25, 2008- The International Baseball Federation (IBAF) announced today that it is introducing an extra-inning tie-breaker format that will be tested at a youth event this week and implemented officially in the baseball competition at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

The format is a first in international baseball competition and differs significantly from the currently used extra-inning model. The new rule calls for traditional baseball extra-inning rules to be used in the 10th frame, but all contests that are tied after 10 innings will compete under a new format. Beginning with the 11th inning and each inning needed thereafter, base runners will be placed on first and second base with no outs. All other rules of baseball will remain in effect.

The new rules will be taken into effect for all tournaments under the IBAF competition umbrella moving forward, which includes the IBAF Men’s and Women’s Baseball World Cup which are scheduled for September 9-27, 2009 in Europe and August 24-29, 2008 in Matsuyama, Japan, respectively.

“The upcoming Beijing Olympic competition may be our last unless we are successful in adding the sport back to the Olympic program for the 2016 Games,” said IBAF President Dr. Harvey W. Schiller. “We must demonstrate to the International Olympic Committee not only does our game belong alongside the other great sports of the world, but our sport is manageable from a television and operational standpoint.”

Dr. Schiller continued, saying the change is both a positive and necessary step for the sport of baseball.

“One of the unique aspects of our game is that it has no time limit. Extra-inning contests can bring about the most exciting results for players and fans, but such circumstances also make it difficult in the context of the Olympic program. Delays cause scheduling and logistical nightmares. Planned security, transportation, drug testing, broadcasts, and entertainment are just a few of the activities that may be seriously affected,” Dr. Schiller continued.

Many former and current professional players and administrators from baseball federations around the world provided guidance on the rule change. The new tie-breaker will be tested beginning today at the IBAF “AAA” World Junior Championships in Edmonton, Canada, which is the premiere international tournament for players 18-and-under.

The new extra-inning format will allow for each manager to select two consecutive batters from anywhere in their respective lineup to start the 11th on first and second base. The next batter in the lineup would then be the batter that starts the inning at the plate. Once those players/runners are determined for the 11th inning, the order of any subsequent innings will be determined by how the previous inning ended. That is, if the 11th inning ends with the #6 hitter having the last official at bat, then the 12th inning begins the #7 hitter at bat, and the #5 hitter at 2B and the #6 hitter at first base.

“Given these extraordinary times for baseball, I believe this will be an exciting shift for the sport,” Dr. Schiller said.

Extra-Inning Rule (to be added to the IBAF Competition Norms):

If the game remains tied after the completion of ten (10) innings, the following procedures will be implemented during extra innings:

• Each team will begin the 11th inning (and any subsequent necessary extra innings) with a player on first and second, no outs.

• To begin the 11th inning, representatives from each team will meet at home plate and will indicate (at the same time) to the home plate umpire where the team wishes to begin the batting order. That is, the teams have the option of beginning the 11th inning anywhere in the existing batting order that was in effect when the 10th inning ended. Note that this is not a new lineup (just potentially a different order), and it may very well be the same lineup that ended the 10th inning. The rationale for doing so is to ensure that both teams have an equal chance at having what theyconsider to be their best hitters and base runners in a position to score in the 11th inning.

• For example, if the team decides to have the #1 hitter in the lineup hit first, then the #8 hitter will be placed at 2B and the #9 hitter will be placed at 1B. Furthermore, if the team decides to have the #3 hitter in the lineup hit first, then the #1 hitter would be at 2B and the #2 hitter would be at1B.

• Once those players/runners are determined for the 11th inning, the order of any subsequent innings will be determined by how the previous inning ended. That is, if the 11th inning ends withthe #6 hitter having the last plate appearance (PA), then the 12th inning begins the #7 hitter at bat, and the #5 hitter at 2B and the #6 hitter at first base.

• With the exception of beginning the inning with runners on 1B and 2B with no one out, all other “Official Rules of Baseball” and “IBAF Competition Norms” will remain in effect during extra innings required to determine a winner.

• No player re-entry is permitted during extra innings.

• The traditional system of the visiting team hitting in the top of the inning and the home team hitting in the bottom of the inning will remain in effect until a winner is determined.
http://www.ibaf.org/archives/news/316


Yea olympics for screwing around w/ thye rules of baseball. Let's see you do the same for other sports. Let's do away w/ injury time in futball. http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes2.gif
Ryadn
27-07-2008, 16:02
What the... base runners at first and second to start the inning? Are you kidding me? Why not just hold a mini home run derby to decide it?
Daistallia 2104
27-07-2008, 16:03
Don't give 'em stupid ideas...
SaintB
27-07-2008, 16:04
Whats exciting about that? They just practically garanteed that the visiting team will win in extra innings destroying what little suspense the game holds.
The_pantless_hero
27-07-2008, 16:06
What the... base runners at first and second to start the inning? Are you kidding me? Why not just hold a mini home run derby to decide it?

I vote for the team captains to meet in the middle of the field and play rock paper scissors at the end of a tied 10th inning. Winner take all.
SaintB
27-07-2008, 16:14
I vote for the team captains to meet in the middle of the field and play rock paper scissors at the end of a tied 10th inning. Winner take all.

Thats at least fair. Best 3 out of 5?
Daistallia 2104
27-07-2008, 16:15
I vote for the team captains to meet in the middle of the field and play rock paper scissors at the end of a tied 10th inning. Winner take all.

Heck, lets do that for all sport. We can declare a two hour time limit. If there's not a clear winner, RPS determines the winner.
New Malachite Square
27-07-2008, 16:16
Thats at least fair.

You say that now. Wait until the performance enhancing drugs hit the market.
Wilgrove
27-07-2008, 16:37
You say that now. Wait until the performance enhancing drugs hit the market.

Or they start bringing actual rocks, papers and scissors.
Maineiacs
27-07-2008, 17:13
Don't give 'em stupider ideas...

Fixed.
Katganistan
27-07-2008, 17:32
If you can't be arsed to stay up and watch fifteen innings, tfb, sfs. Leave the game alone!
Fleckenstein
27-07-2008, 17:42
How does one count those? Earned or unearned runs? Is the pitcher responsible for them? Won't this artificially inflate RBI totals and run totals? And scores?

The statistical impact is frightening. :tongue:
Daistallia 2104
27-07-2008, 18:35
Or they start bringing actual rocks, papers and scissors.

That starts to get into the mixed sport thread I posted tonight...

Fixed.

Indeed.

If you can't be arsed to stay up and watch fifteen innings, tfb, sfs. Leave the game alone!

Amen, sister! Tie games and excessive bunting (features of J baseball) are bad enough.
Sel Appa
27-07-2008, 18:58
We could make it all better by getting rid of baseball and only allowing real sports. ;)
Daistallia 2104
27-07-2008, 19:21
We could make it all better by getting rid of baseball and only allowing real sports. ;)

I suppose you're one of those #$@&%s who thinks ballroom dancing should be considered a sport as opposed to real sports like baseball?
The South Islands
27-07-2008, 19:29
Baseball has worked for 100+ years with the same rules we have today. This is a horrid idea, and the guys that came up with this should be drawn and quartered.
Hotwife
27-07-2008, 20:06
I suppose you're one of those #$@&%s who thinks ballroom dancing should be considered a sport as opposed to real sports like baseball?

Synchronized swimming, FTW
Fartsniffage
27-07-2008, 20:25
[url]Yea olympics for screwing around w/ thye rules of baseball. Let's see you do the same for other sports. Let's do away w/ injury time in futball. http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes2.gif

Two words mate, Golden Goal
Psychotic Mongooses
27-07-2008, 21:10
Baseball has worked for 100+ years with the same rules we have today.

If by 'worked', you mean 'put people to sleep' - then I whole heartedly agree. :tongue:
The South Islands
27-07-2008, 21:16
If by 'worked', you mean 'put people to sleep' - then I whole heartedly agree. :tongue:

Gee, I didn't know that your opinion was fact. Silly me, I thought we all had different tastes. Now I know that Baseball is the worst sport ever. Thanks for that.

Asshole.
Psychotic Mongooses
27-07-2008, 21:32
Gee, I didn't know that your opinion was fact. Silly me, I thought we all had different tastes. Now I know that Baseball is the worst sport ever. Thanks for that.

Awwww.

Poor didums.
Lord Tothe
27-07-2008, 21:45
Okay, so a bunch of lunatics are trying to screw with America's National Passtime. This is clearly a declaration of war. The US should boycott the games and then nuke China and the Olympic Committee HQ. Obviously they're terrorists at heart. Kill 'em all! [/sarcasm]

I enjoy baseball, and I do object to screwing around with the rules. I think soccer, er, futbol is far more boring. If you hate the game, I'm sure there are plenty of other events that are occurring simultaneously for you to watch. I don't care about the Olympic Games, and will probably not watch any events at all.
IL Ruffino
27-07-2008, 21:47
What's that saying about fixing things that aren't broke?
AB Again
27-07-2008, 22:09
What does it matter? - The USA will lose to Cuba/Mexico/Japan/Venezuela or whoever any way. Oh I suppose they can always blame it on the rule changes - so shouldn't you be supporting them.
The South Islands
27-07-2008, 22:41
Awwww.

Poor didums.

I rather dislike it when someone declares themselves to be the arbiter of all things sporting.
Myrmidonisia
28-07-2008, 17:03
http://www.ibaf.org/archives/news/316


Yea olympics for screwing around w/ thye rules of baseball. Let's see you do the same for other sports. Let's do away w/ injury time in futball. http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes2.gif
TV truly is the most evil force in baseball. What has it brought us but night games, interleague play, designated hitters, the end of double headers, expansion teams... And now, tie-breakers. There is no end to this Pandora's Box of troubles.
Hotwife
28-07-2008, 17:11
TV truly is the most evil force in baseball. What has it brought us but night games, interleague play, designated hitters, the end of double headers, expansion teams... And now, tie-breakers. There is no end to this Pandora's Box of troubles.

Pretty soon, it will bring us Lunatic Goofballs making a run around the bases between innings.
Western Mercenary Unio
28-07-2008, 17:12
i didn't know there was a international federation of baseball
Trans Fatty Acids
28-07-2008, 17:24
i didn't know there was a international federation of baseball

I half suspect that the IBAF made the rule change so that they'd get in the news and people would know they existed.
Myrmidonisia
28-07-2008, 20:50
Pretty soon, it will bring us Lunatic Goofballs making a run around the bases between innings.
I think I'd pay for the privilege of seeing that. Especially if he is in his full clown regalia.

Can I blame the infield fly rule on TV?
Corneliu 2
28-07-2008, 21:01
http://www.ibaf.org/archives/news/316


Yea olympics for screwing around w/ thye rules of baseball. Let's see you do the same for other sports. Let's do away w/ injury time in futball. http://www.fuckedgaijin.com/forums/images/smilies/icon_rolleyes2.gif

It is not all that bad in reality. However, I do not want to see such a thing in professional baseball.
Enormous Gentiles
28-07-2008, 22:19
Egads. Next thing you know, the batters will all be wearing body armor, the pitchers won't be able to throw inside without the gestapo knocking on their door, and they'll outlaw bennies.

Leave Baseball Alone !!!

In all actuality, I could care less what IABF does with the game. It won't matter, because America's best players still won't be participating, which means I won't be watching.
Xomic
28-07-2008, 23:14
I care...why?
Corneliu 2
28-07-2008, 23:15
I care...why?
Why you posting if you don't?
Fartsniffage
28-07-2008, 23:18
I think I'd pay for the privilege of seeing that. Especially if he is in his full clown regalia.

Can I blame the infield fly rule on TV?

What's the infield fly rule?
Corneliu 2
28-07-2008, 23:20
What's the infield fly rule?
An automatic out on a pop fly ball in the infield with less than two outs and a force out at 2nd, 3rd, or home.
Fartsniffage
28-07-2008, 23:26
An automatic out on a pop fly ball in the infield with less than two outs and a force out at 2nd, 3rd, or home.

Hang on, I must have missed something here. The defending team dosn't even need to make the catch?
Xomic
28-07-2008, 23:29
Why you posting if you don't?

Because there is a level of irony when people are getting all worked up because of a stupid game being playing in a sham of an event, while millions of people starve around the world, if they're not killed by brutal dictatorships or invading armies.

But how dare they mess with our game!
Corneliu 2
28-07-2008, 23:30
Hang on, I must have missed something here. The defending team dosn't even need to make the catch?
Nope:

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

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf <--for the actual rule itself.
Bullitt Point
29-07-2008, 00:03
Who really cares?

The IOC is dropping baseball and softball from the olympics after this one, so I guess that they need to fuck with it before it goes.

How two such sports, team sports no less, don't deserve a nod at the Olympics is silly, at the least, but this isn't good either.
Bullitt Point
29-07-2008, 00:05
Nope:

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

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2008/official_rules//06_the_batter.pdf <--for the actual rule itself.

Yeah. The rule was introduced so that the defending team couldn't purposely let the ball drop to induce a double or triple play.

If the defender lets the ball drop, however, the runner can leave the bag without tagging up. But the runner can still be doubled off like an ordinary pop up.
SaintB
03-08-2008, 16:34
What does it matter? - The USA will lose to Cuba/Mexico/Japan/Venezuela or whoever any way. Oh I suppose they can always blame it on the rule changes - so shouldn't you be supporting them.

Thats because the best players in America (which include the best players from Cuba/Mexico/Japan/Venezuela) can't (or more apporpriatly WONT) play.
Forsakia
04-08-2008, 06:25
The Olympics needs to go back to basics. Fastest, furthest, highest. If the winner isn't calculated solely through one of those three words, then get rid of it.