Is it just me?
By smtrego
@smtrego (181)
United States
June 7, 2008 1:08pm CST
Is it just me? The batter hits the ball, knowing it "felt" like a home run. They just stand there gawking at the ball waiting to see if it leaves the park. Then they trot (barely) around the bases.
This bothers me every time I see it. It does not matter if it my team or not. I think it is arrogant. What ever happened to running as soon as they hit the ball and then find out it is a home run? That is how baseball is played. Are they getting paid to stand there and stare at the ball or are they getting paid to "play" baseball and run?
What does that teach our children?
This is one thing that really gets under my skin. Please share your thoughts with me. Am I alone on this one or does it bother other people as well?
1 person likes this
5 responses
@Reesers (1387)
• United States
10 Jun 08
You're not alone. It's one of my pet peeves when it comes to baseball. The same players that do this are the ones with the swing where they drop the bat like they knew. If they even drop it. Sometimes they're still holding the end as they watch the ball fly into the stands. It's like they've never hit one before but I think it's just pumping up their egos.
1 person likes this
@smtrego (181)
• United States
11 Jun 08
I do appreciate the support. I try not to judge sports figures too quickly, even though they should be aware of their actions since they are in the public eye all the time and they chose to be. It does get tiring seeing the same players time and time again doing this. I think they need a reality check.
@belhaven14 (454)
• United States
10 Jun 08
This is one of the things that bothers me as well. I know our high school coach didn't allow it, but our college coach just kinda turns the cheek. It can get ugly especially since it is just a part of baseball to hit someone who "pimps" the homerun. As far as big leagues go, i wish they would fine players for such things. I think it takes away the integrity of the game. But, home runs sell tickets and the masses enjoy watching it. It is "the show". I guess its tough to tell a multi-millionaire what to do when he goes to work. I wish it wasn't so.
1 person likes this
@smtrego (181)
• United States
10 Jun 08
Thanks for the response. That is how I feel about it too. I think the managers should bench the players that do it. I know that won't happen but it is not fair to the other players who run (at least to first base) as soon as they hit the ball. It does drive me crazy though because some players just stare at the ball as if to say, "Wow, look at me." Sometimes what they fail to realize is their "God given talent" is just that, God given. He gave it to them and can take it away at any time. I wish they would just act like baseball players rather than superstars. If they want to "see" their home run, they should tune in to ESPN or the local news' sports report, not gawk at it in person. Its tacky!
@sarahruthbeth22 (43143)
• United States
8 Jun 08
I guess I am just used to it. The kids playing baseball these days do it All the time.I do remember when Brett Butler or Eddie Murray or Mookie Wilson hit , they ran hard to first base.it is the changing times. But don't worry too much about the kids, in Little League they hit the ball and the they run. They are the new kids that will make it into the bigs.So if you can wait, I believe ESPN will air The Little League World Series and you will get to see Real baseball. ps. The two things that gets under my skin are the deliberate walk and the check swing called a ball and not a strike.
1 person likes this
@smtrego (181)
• United States
8 Jun 08
My oldest son plays Little League. He is 13 and has been playing for years. Sometimes I find myself yelling at the TV for the big league players to run. They really come across as arrogant to me. I find the Little League World Series to be a wonderful event to watch. We follow it once it gets on TV. They have so many great stories to tell about the young players too.
Last year, for a quick summer trip, we went to Cooperstown, NY to see the Baseball Hall of Fame and Williamsport, PA to see the Little League fields and museum.
1 person likes this
@allen0187 (58582)
• Philippines
8 Jun 08
hi smtrego.
i used to play baseball as well and as a batter i immediately know that i've hit a homerun as soon as my bat hits the ball. the feeling is quite unique and i must admit that there is a certain cloud of confidence that hovers over me when i know that the ball will go over the fence.
the trot is is really part of hitting the homerun. it give the batter a chance to enjoy the moment and baks in his glory. sorry, not wanting to sound overboard but i guess that's how it really is.
@smtrego (181)
• United States
8 Jun 08
You don't sound overboard. I appreciate the comment. It is great getting the viewpoint from your side of things.
I can live with the trotting. It doesn't make sense really for someone to run full speed around the bases when it is clearly a home run. When you hit a home run did you just stand there and stare at the ball?
@skirvsatthird (35)
•
26 Jun 08
Yes i definastly agree i hate watching professional sports in general. Because its like they made it to the top and they are just going to nice and easy and now its just about them not a team thing anymore. Like your example I see all the time when they hit it and they just stop to admire it like what the heck you need to be running the bases. I hate that but what irrates me the most is when there is a ball hit into the hole but the shortstop or who ever makes a great play and the hitter is just joggin to the bag but if he was sprinting like my coaches are always telling me he could possibly be safe but now he's out and thats one less chance of getting a run in. I think once you make it pro there may not be an "I" in team but there sure is a "ME" thats all the care about.
