I was at last nights game, and a something hit me that I just coudn't figure out. Anybody know the reasoning for a couple of things?

1st, a pitcher throws a ball in the dirt, and the ump gives the catcher a new ball to give back to the pitcher. Next, a ball is hit hard, scooped up from the ground and the runner thrown out, and then the same ball is given back to the pitcher. If they continue to use that one, then why can't they use the same one that was pitched in the dirt?

 

2nd, anyone know what the 2 dirt cutout circles are for at The Cell that are on each side of home plate? The Old Comiskey had them too. A lot of other parks do not have them. They are too close to be an on deck circle. They are not used during batting practice, because they have a tarp over them during that time. Any ideas why they have been there for both parks if they have no use?

The 2 circles were used in the olden days by photographers, they serve no real purpose now other than as an aesthetic throw back to a by-gone era.

The 2 circles were used in the olden days by photographers, they serve no real purpose now other than as an aesthetic throw back to a by-gone era.

the coaches stand there when they hit fungos i think

1st, a pitcher throws a ball in the dirt, and the ump gives the catcher a new ball to give back to the pitcher. Next, a ball is hit hard, scooped up from the ground and the runner thrown out, and then the same ball is given back to the pitcher. If they continue to use that one, then why can't they use the same one that was pitched in the dirt?

Because if it goes directly from the pitcher's hand and drops to the ground, the batter/opposing manager may ask for it to be thrown out. (ie. suspected scuffing/doctoring of the ball)

Yes, it's so they don't have a worn out patch of grass there. It's aesthetic.

the coaches stand there when they hit fungos i think

the coaches stand there when they hit fungos i think

 

Yes if a team takes infield practice during batting practice the coach stands there to hit

 

This is a random question, but how is the following play scored:

 

Runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs. Deep fly that is an easy SF. Outfielder drops the ball allowing the batter to reach on an error. Does it still go into the scorebook for the batter as a SF RBI and no official at bat? I'm pretty sure it does but I had this debate with my friends last night and they said I was wrong and that it just went down as an error and thus cost the batter an out at bat.

This is a random question, but how is the following play scored:

 

Runner on 3rd, less than 2 outs. Deep fly that is an easy SF. Outfielder drops the ball allowing the batter to reach on an error. Does it still go into the scorebook for the batter as a SF RBI and no official at bat? I'm pretty sure it does but I had this debate with my friends last night and they said I was wrong and that it just went down as an error and thus cost the batter an out at bat.

I believe you are correct, but it could go either way.

 

However, the SF is one of the stupidest rules in baseball. I'm sure the batter wanted to fly out, not get a basehit... give me a break. If they have a sacrifice fly, they should also have a sacrifice grounder then.

the coaches stand there when they hit fungos i think

yep, they are called fungo circles

Fun Fact: Players can tag up to balls hit into foul territory.

Fun Fact: Players can tag up to balls hit into foul territory.

 

It is actually a great time to do it...

Fun Fact: Players can tag up to balls hit into foul territory.

 

More like a duh fact?