I think I have asked this question many times over the years, and to me it largely explains all that is wrong with the administration of this sport that we all love.
So can someone please explain two Rules. Both of which stop 18+ players from playing baseball (particularly on days like today, that was delightful) when they almost all still want to keep playing?
1) The stupid 7-innings max rule in a Timed game. I mean if we play 7 (as we did a while back) in 90 mins, then why call the game 30mins early and we all go home when nearly everyone wants too keep playing?
And.
2) The 10-run so-called Mercy rule. Why do we stop playing after 90 mins when the score is say 11-1 when all the players playing want to keep playing those last 30 mins ?
Re #2 above, maybe give the team losing the option to call in the Mercy rule (maybe - not even sure about this) BUT why is it mandatory?
?
Both these Rules are a joke - and why our sport isn't (still/yet) growing I reckon.
Can anyone, ideally anyone that has some influence on the creation of these two Rules, please explain the logic/rationale/intent of these two Rules to me/us?
They are both pure idiocy in a sport that cites 'participation' as a key goal in my view. I mean how do you 'participate' in the last 30mins of a timed/2hr game when you are in you car heading home after being told that you all are not allowed to play that last 30 mins of your 120 min game by the Rule makers?