NEWSLINE STORY

published July-August 2016

Mixed Classes – Advantages and Disadvantages

by Dan Sanders, 1^st Vice President, By-Laws, Rules and Grievance Director

Please review my last Newsline article about Mixed Classes where I discussed what 'mixing' may mean, and then concluded with two paragraphs of information about the advantages and disadvantages of mixing Classes. Suggestions were also made about how TDs could create more competitive Classes without 'mixing'. A final follow-up question was, ' why are some full-distance pitchers so opposed to pitching against short-distance pitchers? And here are some possible reasons:

· Some pitchers truly believe that s-d pitchers have an advantage. Others argue that if the ringer percentage are the same or close, that neither should have an advantage.

· It may be true than in windy conditions, s-d pitchers may have an advantage.

· If it is easier to make ringers at 30 feet than at 40 feet (and most would agree that it is), it is also true that it should be easier to make single points from the shorter distance. But ringer percentages don’t take into account this possible advantage of s-d pitchers making more single points during these games. The only answer to this concern is for the TD to use a 'Ringers Only' format for these mixed Classes, and this is being done in several Charters.

Whatever pitching formats may be used in your Charter, I hope that it is acceptable for the majority of your pitchers. And remember that the most important thing is to have fun!