designated hitter in (college) softball

[slider201]

I found an interesting statement in the Clemens Report (An Analysis Of The Career Of Roger Clemens, by Hendricks Sports Management, LP, Hendricks/Mann/Larson-Hendricks, 1/28/2008)

"Since the introduction of the designated hitter rule in the American League (A.L.) in 1973, which substitutes a hitter for the pitcher in the batting order, run production has naturally been higher in the A.L. than in the National League (N.L.). In fact, the N.L. ERA has been lower in each and every year since 1973. This gives N.L. pitchers a systemic advantage over their A.L. counterparts in raw ERA. A simple way of correcting for this advantage when comparing the ERAs of pitchers from different leagues is to determine the difference between the N.L. and A.L. ERAs and deduct that difference from all A.L. pitchers' ERA."

Now I know this does not have much to do with softball but it raised the question to me - are softball teams hindered by not having dedicated pitchers and dedicated hitters? If a team does not have dedicated pitcher/hitter, are they losing their competitive advantage? This is doable in college, US Team, and NPF.

[pollywolly60]

DP/Flex rule?

[slider201]

I can think of several teams that have designated hitters, and I can think of quite a few that do not have designated hitters. In softball, are teams leaving runs on the table by not having all designated hitters? Is there a strategy one way or the other?

[BigD]

If your pitcher is one of your best nine hitters why would you hit for her.

[BigD]

There is always the injury factor whether it be on base or getting beaned before hand.[/quote]


I can see your point, but she could take a line drive of fthe hand in the circle. I will agree that if she is lower half of the lineup find someone to hit for her, but if she is your number one through four hitter let her take her swings. Now maybe you dont have her play third when she is not pitching to keep her injury risk down I will agree with that.

[Sftbll4ever]

Which reminds me that I need to purchase elbow padding for my lefty dd. She got beaned in the arm and now would prefer an arm cover.

Where can I get those from? Guru's???

[Sftbll4ever]

Thanks P, that is exactly what I was looking for. Guess I will be heading that way tonight or tomorrow.

[MTR]

If your pitcher is one of your best nine hitters why would you hit for her.

There is always the injury factor whether it be on base or getting beaned before hand.

I'd rather have an athlete on the team instead of a one-dimensional player.

[artomatic]

My DD wears the Easton Gen IV style. Since she is a righty that bats left it is her pitching elbow that leads when hitting. Picked it up at Chicks. Complained about it for about 3 at bats. Now doesn't even notice it.

we thought it was barry bonds when she came up