Response to Tony Smith; Intentional Walk rule

[Al Doran]

From: "Bill Hillhouse" <billhillhouse(at)hotmail.com>
Subject: Response to Tony Smith; Intentional Walk rule
Date: Wed, 11 Jan 2006 11:40:03 -0500


Tony

Kia Ora from the very cold North East USA.

While I understand your plea and argument, I think if you were to reflect 
on this deeper, you'd realize that Softball NZ did the right thing.    Now 
having said that, we can debate the rule all day long: Should the pitcher 
have to throw the pitches or not.   But, in my opinion.... taking the ISF 
rule's is the best thing NZ could've done.

Unlike countries such as the USA, New Zealand gears themselves up for one 
thing:  ISF World Series.  If that is the rule that is going to be used in 
'09 Saskatoon... then NZ is better off using it.   You need to understand 
how much those "little things" NZ does help them in the long term 
development of their program.  Even a simple thing like using the official 
ISF ball helps your team prepare much better than most of the others.

USA softball does not use the ISF ball in championship play.  We don't 
require our pitchers to throw under the antiquated ISF pitching rule.  But 
NZ does.  And look at their success.   Then... take a look at the status of 
US Men's softball.   The difference is staggering.

I agree with you... it's stupid.  The pitcher should have to throw the 
ball.  But, adopting the ISF's rules, no matter how good or bad, is the 
best thing SNZ could do.   It will help them progress, while everyone else 
continues to regress.

Bill Hillhouse

From: "Bill Hillhouse" <billhillhouse(at)hotmail.com>





  Als Fastball List
*Email: fastball(at)pmihrm.com
    fastball at pmihrm.com
http://www.AlsFastball.com/
NEWS: http://fastpitchwest.com/alsfastball
    eScribe is down, but may be back soon escribe.com

Our New Condo: http://www.rpt.ca/hunt/ for Sale or Rent