Mc Posted June 16, 2009 Report Posted June 16, 2009 I see lots of different variations on recording baserunning times (Home to 1st and Home to Home). If all times are done in the same manner at an event (camp, tryout, etc.) then I can understand how the times are comparitive to that event. This past weekend my DD was at a camp where they were timing baserunning. I was timing each runner on my own with my stop watch and was about 0.4 seconds slower on each runner. I was timing on runner's 1st movement. I finally figured out that the coaches were starting on the foot touching the ground on 1st step and was then right on the mark. Several of the times in the 2.6 second range. Many team's player profile sheets show baserunning times. Seems like there should/would be a standard method for these times. Variations I've seen are: 1st movementFoot touching the ground on 1st stepAudible/Visual command (go, whistle, hand movement, etc.)Any of above but with RH batters in RH batters box and LH in LH batters boxBat contact to base I spoke with a college coach about it and he preferred the bat contact to base times. Maybe a note on the player profile sheet stating the method of timing would be beneficial. PET PEEVE: Baserunners not touching all of the bases (some, none of the bases)
HillGuy Posted June 16, 2009 Report Posted June 16, 2009 This very topic has bugged me for years. It seems like there would be some guidance from NCAA coaches on this, but I've yet to find it. I do think that starting on first movement instead of "go" is most appropriate. The most REALISTIC would be LH/RH batters in their appropriate box, go on the crack of the bat, and the timer be a NEUTRAL, UNBIASED person, not Daddy, LOL. I posted a few months ago a scientific study of what Usain Bolt could run his first sixty feet in based on his Olympic 100m time...he could NOT run a 2.6 even with his speed (from a dead stop). Baylor boasted that they had one of the fastest teams in softball about 3 yrs ago, but had only three players that could best 2.8 according to their timing. Regardless of how timed, SPEED KILLS!
WeedBegone Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 Another factor is the condition of home plate for timing. Starting from the beaches at the Beaumont city complex verses the baseball conditioned fields elsewhere also has an impact on times. I've seen sandy fields where you need tow trucks to get some of the players out of the box.
Mc Posted June 17, 2009 Author Report Posted June 17, 2009 The top finishers at the Austin Elite Showcase were: Home to 1st 2.53 2.56 2.57 2.58 Our 2 team reps came in at 2.65 (10th/75) and 2.76 (22nd/75). I timed the the 2.76 at 3.15 based on 1st movement. Home to Home 11.01 11.18 Our 2 team reps came in at 11.69 (7th/75) and 12.10 (16th/75). I timed the the 12.10 at 12.54 based on 1st movement. The numbers aren't necessarily meaningless, but only can be used to compare against others at this event.
Keyser Soze Posted June 17, 2009 Report Posted June 17, 2009 You mention player profile sheets. Do college coaches consider any of the stats meaningful on the profile sheets? Just curious.
Mc Posted June 17, 2009 Author Report Posted June 17, 2009 You mention player profile sheets. Do college coaches consider any of the stats meaningful on the profile sheets? Just curious. No. We have a spot for it on our profiles and website, but I just leave it blank because it is meaningless other than for the reasons I stated previously. Other stats are just as meaningless because of possible disparities of opponents. Stats can really only be useful when compared to the rest of your team. Here is a link to a random TX Peppers Tanel Gold profile sheet: This is the hidden content, please Sign In or Sign Up )Profile.pdf She is a slapper and they have her listed 2.75 h/1st and 12.25 h/h. My DD had a 2.76 h/1st and is not a slapper. Not knowing the other kid, I would know my DD's numbers are probably tainted. Pretty sure college coaches realize the same.
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