Twin Creeks Heads Up

[fasterpitch92701]

A point of "uniqueness" if you happen to be playing at Twin Creeks in Sunnyvale CA -

The backstop is made from 2x12's directly behind home plate, up to about 40", with chain link fence running aroung the usual backstop structure and then behind the 2x12" wood. Nothing very unusual. Twin Creeks, in a point of supreme stupidity, decided NOT to fasten the screen to the backside of the wood. After years of play the screen is slightly separated from the wood, maybe 2-2 1/2 inches, bowing a bit away from the playing field.

Situation: runner on 2nd and 3rd in a game we were watching while waiting for ours to start. Pitcher chucks one past the catcher, hitting the chain link and falling straight down, resting on the ledge between the wood and chain link. About 85% of the ball is visible and it just sits there on top of the wood. (couldn't duplicate that scenario with 1000 pitches... but anyway...). Catcher steps back, grabs the ball as the home plate ump calls dead ball. Neither runner steps off the bag. Home umpire signals for the pitcher to proceed and the pitcher starts her motion. Ump from second calls time and runs in, saying that both runners should advance. Lots of discussion. TD called, shrugs his shoulder and gives the runners a base (scoring one). The scenario of having a ball resting on the wood never reviewed prior to the game.

Even the coach of the team batting thought the ruling a bit... odd. Regardless, apparently this has happened before so maybe it takes 500 pitches. Oh well. AND... here's the kicker, the ENTIRE situation could be avoided if Twin Creeks would invest $10 worth of wire brads and a hammer, nailing the chain link to the 2x12's. But, apparently, the $7.50 hamburgers don't cover that expense.

Both coaches, teams, people in the stands didn't know whether to laugh, cry or just be dumbfounded at Twin Creeks for their ineptitude. Almost... funny. This is also the location that has the field so crowned that you cannot see first base from the third base dugout. Really... but at least the winds were nice considering the 95 degree heat.

Something new each game, I suppose...