If you've played in amateur baseball games, you've probably noticed instances of poor sportsmanship on either the opposing team or your own team.
This time, I'll be writing about my thoughts on etiquette during matches.
A collection of articles on batting, fielding, and base running tips for beginners in amateur baseball.
geralt / Pixabay
Etiquette regarding the progress of the match
These are manners that are essential for the smooth running of the match.
The next batter is slow to get ready.
Although it's unlikely to happen often, when the batter before you steps up to the plate, prepare yourself so that you can step up smoothly next.
Pay particular attention to things like not forgetting to wear your helmet.
The referee is not prepared.
The attacking team often acts as the umpire, but make sure to confirm who the umpire is and be near home plate before the warm-up pitches are over.
Don't go looking for the foul ball immediately.
Regardless of the direction it flew, the attacking side will usually go looking for it.
However, even if the other person has the obligation to search, you should help if you have the time and resources.
Those who are not busy should not pull the bat.
Regarding my own team, I want the next batter to be able to concentrate on the at-bat that is about to come up,
Try to have players other than the on-deck circle back the bat whenever possible.
Etiquette regarding heckling at matches
Jeers directed at the opposing team
It also has the effect of easing the atmosphere, so it's not much of a problem.
However, let's refrain from heckling the opposing team.
It's rude and leaves a bad impression.
Jeers directed at the opponent's errors
I understand how you feel, but it's not good manners to be overly excited or to say things like, "I'll do it, I'll do it!"
Etiquette regarding playing in a match
rough play
There are various tactics, such as intentionally crashing into first base or sliding into second base to break up a double play.
Even within the bounds of the rules, avoid plays that could injure your opponent.
The batter is trying to get hit by a pitch.
If the umpire is doing their job properly, it's fine, but some people intentionally stick their elbows or other body parts into the strike zone in an attempt to get hit by a pitch.
It might seem excessive to go to such lengths, but some people will do it.
Bad manners I have encountered
- Calling the opposing pitcher's pitches "weak balls."
- To try and get the catcher to interfere with the batter's swing, the batter takes a big swing from the very back of the batter's box.
- The umpire's strike calls are blatantly strict.
- When returning to defend,
I can't go into all the details, but there are definitely teams with bad manners.
From my experience, teams made up entirely of young members tend to have a lot of thugs and rough characters.
Of course, not all teams are like that.
What we all commonly think is, "We're going to the trouble of using our holidays to get together, so I wonder if we're really enjoying doing that."
I do admire their determination to win, even to that extent, but...
I want to play the game in a way that leaves me feeling good about it, whether I win or lose.
A collection of articles on batting, fielding, and base running tips for beginners in amateur baseball.
The drawbacks of being overly focused on winning in amateur baseball teams
