Should the softball fences be moved back?

According to Google the KSP fence is 220 at centerfield. The rules allow you to take it to 235.

 

Great observation, and question. I'm a big fan of Gator Softball and, to a lesser degree, the college game in general. I used to work with a guy who had a daughter that played softball in high school. He would occasionally get a little carried away and say what incredible athletes they were. To reel him in a bit, I'd remind him that college softball fields were typically the same dimensions as the fields my 12 year old son played baseball on. Fast forward to the current college softball power hitters. They are routinely 5'-8" or taller, and to be kind, not built like Falby. Notice how many power hitting DP's you see with full leg braces, likely torn ACL's. Which you'll never see in college baseball.

But, to your question. Back how far? Five feet would allow for your tweak to the current game. But, leave room for the no doubter HR's.

 

I don't think moving the fence would phase Falby at all.

 

Moving the fence would result in more Texas leaguers as well.
I like the idea!

 

Most stadiums wouldnt allow moving back. giant scoreboards, lack of room etc... But.. you can go up..20-30 ft walls??

Ive always thought an extra 3-5 feet in basepaths would make for a better game. More DPs, no beating out routine grounders to deep Ss, no 90% steal rates, etc

 

250 at least and a pitch count

 

yep, on pitch count,, or some way they are forced to use a rotation.

 

Changing the bats or balls or both would be a much easier “fix” for a problem I do not believe exists.

 

I say leave the game alone, it’s great as is.

 

Yeah Im not sure its a problem, more cyclical. Pitching not near as good overall as 5+ years ago.. Very few dominant aces now. If that trend continues, then maybe adjust something.

 

Reminds me of my son's comments re college softball . " It's like watching adults play on a little league field.". Not wrong but that's the game.

Clearly the hitters have become more dominant. Not that many Ks and low scoring games anymore. I would be more of an advocate for widening the strike zone or at least calling the zone as it s/b.

 

Maybe not that high, but this idea would be pretty easy to impliment. Interesting plan.

That's baseball. In softball we like our speedsters, first/third strategy plays, the catcher pickoff throws -- having base runners make the game more interesting.

 

Dimensions should be the same as those in OKC

 

The bats are way hotter now as opposed to 5 years ago. My daughter is in 14u and you never heard of many home runs in 10-12u. It’s a common occurrence now.

 

That stadium is 200 down the foul lines and 220 to center.

 

This kind of reminds me of the discussions made from time to time about raising the basketball rim from 10 to 11 feet. Not sure the game becomes an elitist one and not an everyone game. And yes, the pitchers who are incredible are pretty much elitist players. In fact, maybe moving the mound back by say 5 feet would help a bit.

Just a spitball. Nothing more.

 

I think the softball fields are fine the way they are. To the boys who think the diamond is too small, I would reply. This keeps infielders on their toes. Playing the third or a little deep at short means you have to field cleanly. A slight bobble and the runner is safe!
After watching softball for years I attended a little league baseball game. I couldn't believe it! It seemed infielders had all day to square up, plant your feet and easily throw out runners. Compared to watching my daughter play short: she had to learn to throw while running full speed.