Rule 7.13 Collisions at home plate - What do you think of this rule?

[Cantpickem]

I have my opinion on this rule and it isn't a good one.
"A runner attempting to score may not deviate from his direct pathway to the plate in order to initiate contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate). If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner attempting to score initiates contact with the catcher (or other player covering home plate) in such a manner, the umpire shall declare the runner out (even if the player covering home plate loses possession of the ball). In such circumstances, the umpire shall call the ball dead, and all other baserunners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the collision.
"Rule 7.13 comment: The failure by the runner to make an effort to touch the plate, the runner's lowering of the shoulder, or the runner's pushing through with his hands, elbows or arms, would support a determination that the runner deviated from the pathway in order to initiate contact with the catcher in violation of Rule 7.13. If the runner slides into the plate in an appropriate manner, he shall not be adjudged to have violated Rule 7.13. A slide shall be deemed appropriate, in the case of a feet first slide, if the runner's buttocks and legs should hit the ground before contact with the catcher. In the case of a head first slide, a runner shall be deemed to have slid appropriately if his body should hit the ground before contact with the catcher.

 

[DazedampConfused]

So basically the catcher can initiate all the contact he wants. If baserunner is trying to slide (head first or feet first) past the catcher to hand swipe the plate and the catcher turns and drops a knee into baserunners chops its ok?

 

[Coachfreak]

It's another step in the encouragement of being "soft" in sports. It started with contact on the quarterback in football. Now it's the defenseless receiver. Don't stop there, take away a big part of baseball - if a fielder is obstructing a base that a runner is entitled to, he must refrain from contacting the fielder...Pretty soon we'll be playing flag football and hitting a ball off of a tee and every one will get a trophy.

 

[Biz]

I don't like the rule in its present state. I also disagree about someone saying sports is becoming "soft".

Clearly, something had to be done regarding home plate collisions. Giving someone a running 180 foot start, and allowing them to slam into a stationary target, is ridiculous. When you consider the advancements in nutrition and training, today's athlete is a much larger and faster person than year's past.

Should players be allowed to veer outside of a direct path to the plate, as Rose did in the All Star game (essentially ruining the career of Ray Fosse) or as did the Florida guy did to Posey (snapping his ankle)?? Absolutely not. Both players had a clear path to the plate, but chose to veer away from the open plate to blast an unsuspecting catcher. Where is the sport in that?? Its like these brave hunters, hunting animals on private hunting grounds. What sports they are.

Now, if a catcher is blocking the plate they are fair game. That's where I disagree with the rule. They should be allowed to make contact since the plate is blocked. If the catcher is straddling the plate or if there is a unobstructed path to the plate, then I absolutely agree that no contact should be allowed.

 

[DazedampConfused]

I don't like the rule in its present state. I also disagree about someone saying sports is becoming "soft".

Clearly, something had to be done regarding home plate collisions. Giving someone a running 180 foot start, and allowing them to slam into a stationary target, is ridiculous. When you consider the advancements in nutrition and training, today's athlete is a much larger and faster person than year's past.

Should players be allowed to veer outside of a direct path to the plate, as Rose did in the All Star game (essentially ruining the career of Ray Fosse) or as did the Florida guy did to Posey (snapping his ankle)?? Absolutely not. Both players had a clear path to the plate, but chose to veer away from the open plate to blast an unsuspecting catcher. Where is the sport in that?? Its like these brave hunters, hunting animals on private hunting grounds. What sports they are.

Now, if a catcher is blocking the plate they are fair game. That's where I disagree with the rule. They should be allowed to make contact since the plate is blocked. If the catcher is straddling the plate or if there is a unobstructed path to the plate, then I absolutely agree that no contact should be allowed.

Agree on some points. You get some guys that are flat out beat by the throw and try to blow up the catcher (who is just waiting to making the tag), in hopes thats the ball comes loose.
If the cather has the ball and is blocking the plate, I agree, he is fair game to get blown up. There's a reason catchers were always wide bodies.
But to further another point, its pussifying of sports. Might as well make all plays at home an automatic force.

 

[hitman123]

To be fair, the rule doesn't entirely eliminate collisions at home plate. I think the best comparison of this rule would be the NFL rule change to move the kickoff line up. We are seeing less kickoffs returns, but we still do see them. We'll still see collisions, but not as frequently. Home plate collisions were never that much of an impact play in baseball. I see it not having any impact on the game.

 

[Biz]

Strap on some catcher's gear, take a throw at the plate, and while you're not looking take the impact of a 6'2'' 220pd athlete running at full speed with a 180 foot head start.

Easy for couch athletes to talk about "pussifying sports".