Safety Bag - Your thoughts?

[CNY Tim]

I have coached girls fast-pitch softball and played baseball, men's fast-pitch softball, and slow-pitch and I believe that ASA has it right in regards to the orange safety orange side bag that's connected to the white first base bag for runners to run to out of the batter's box. That little extra space the first basemen and the runner have is critical to minimizing injury. In all my years as a coach and a player I have never seen injuries so devastating in recent years.

Did you guys see what happened to Brian Roberts of the Orioles (dislocated elbow)and in the same night it was scary between Jose Valentin and Mark Grudzielanek(turned ankle), not to mention what happened to Scott Rolen, etc.. Too many close calls and too many injuries that could have been avoided in my opinion with that safety bag. I know it would require a rules change but in the interest of safety it should be considered.

[rundrave]

you may be on to something there...

I saw the play with Roberts on sportscenter, they warned people who dont take things like that very well not to watch, I dont blame them, looked pretty painful. Although I am ashamed I rewinded it a couple times....

[CNY Tim]

Thanks I just sent a copy of this along to Major League Baseball for what it's worth.. For most people I am sure it should be a no brainer. The traditionalists will probably see it another way but a lot of first basemen and second basemen would appreciate it.

[fishyguy]

CNY,

As a recovering softball addict who played fast pitch and slow pitch at every level from A to D I think it is a great tool. There are just too many inexperienced players who don't know proper footwork covering a base or running to a base or throwing poorly in those games. For MLB, I am not so sure I am ready for it. I know injuries happen but players get hurt in many parts of the field. I think it is just part of the game. At this point for me it almost seems like removing outfield walls or putting a screen up in front of the pitcher. Definately a thought to be considered though.

[nbdyknws]

Definitely help, why not make things safer without hurting anything?

I am sure baseball has had a few meetings over the orange base and they must have a few good reasons for not using it.

[juggs]

Personally, I wouldn't want to see it used in MLB. Just seems kind of like a "dumbing down" of the game. It's good for softballers since it's a much lower level of play. I marvel at how some fielders and runners at the major league level don't know what they're doing and it leads to injuries. The runner should always run to the foul side of the bag. The fielder should always position himself on the fair side of the bag. What would the umps do about a runner sliding into first to avoid a tag? Does touch the orange bag count in this case? It could also make fair/foul calls more confusing.