Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

[gstotss]

Why does the game not understand that if a pitch even grazes the edge of the plate it is a strike? This is not a variable umpire issue either. These pitches are routinely called balls (probably 90%+ of the time) when in the real MLB they would be called strikes over 90% of the time.

I LOVE the game, but this is something I've always wondered and nobody seems to discuss it.

[kehlis]

Why does the game not understand that if a pitch even grazes the edge of the plate it is a strike? This is not a variable umpire issue either. These pitches are routinely called balls (probably 90%+ of the time) when in the real MLB they would be called strikes over 90% of the time.

I LOVE the game, but this is something I've always wondered and nobody seems to discuss it.

It IS variable umpires.

They call their own strike zone (arguably) not necessarily by the book of the strike zone.

That's the whole point, if you want pitches on the black called strikes just turn it off.

[gstotss]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

It IS variable umpires.

They call their own strike zone (arguably) not necessarily by the book of the strike zone.

That's the whole point, if you want pitches on the black called strikes just turn it off.

Variable umpires is not supposed to mean that the black never gets called a strike. In fact, it should mean that pitches a couple inches OFF the plate get called strikes by certain umpires. This doesn't happen.

[G3no_11]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

Variable umpires is not supposed to mean that the black never gets called a strike. In fact, it should mean that pitches a couple inches OFF the plate get called strikes by certain umpires. This doesn't happen.

It does happen lol. I've had pitches that weren't even touching the outline of the zone called for a strike.

[Jordyn]

I think his point is that they are called balls much more often than they are called strikes, regardless of variable umpiring.

[HighCmpPct]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

Honestly at this point it's really random umpires not variable umpires. I mean you can't really figure out what they're calling because it's always changing.

Got that high strike call? Next pitch even more in the zone, you're not getting it. Same with low and corner pitches. I love this game and the fact that the calls aren't perfect, but umpires call what they call and don't what they don't. They don't change pitch to pitch...unless they just got showed up or something.

And please don't come back with examples of pitch to pitch differences, yes I know it happens but it doesn't happen after every pitch through the while game. Umpires are pretty consistent with what they call.

[STLJayhawk10]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

i wish the variable umpire would just be consistent in the same game. youll throw a change just low that will be called a ball then the same exact pitch in the same spot will be called a strike. they'll constantly do that throughout the game.

a real life umpire would keep the same zone lol.

[Perfect Zero]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

Perhaps this is more in line with the OP, in that I've noticed that a lot of the first pitches that I throw on the edges are called balls; a number of times they are completly in the strike zone. I've wondered if this is something to increase the pitch count and get more realistic counts for the user.

[soonermagic75]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

Very good point zero, that may be true. So what about CPU pitching sliders, what settings seem to work or simulate the difference between a #1 starter and a# 5 starter?

[HechticSooner]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

(BOOMER SOONER) I have to disagree here most umpires are consistent with what they call from game to game but they do miss calls here and there as well. I agree that the zones aren't as wide as IRL but I don't think that I'd want them as wide either

[RecordBreakerCF]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

I've seen that happen to my CF Shane Walden.

[onac22]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

I have noticed the blown strikes happen a lot more on 0-2 pitches. It seems at least four innings a game have been extended by two three outs each by blown strikeout calls for both myself and the cpu. One time it blew three sliders in a row all over the plate and each located more and more in the SZ until the cpu hit a HR and surprise, tied it. It was an experiment to see the SZ, the second ball thrown was all in the SZ at the knees in the middle and it was a called ball.

It is a game it is not perfect so I just try and deal with it and try to plan for at least two cpu manufactured runs per team per game. It is all that can be done. Just plan on it happening and get through it quick. Besides it does make it more interesting when the 4 seemer is a strike high on the edge in the first and by the fouth it is now a ball, same location. Makes me think more about my pitching and making adjustments through a game.

[braves_94]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

Haha. Yeah, when the ump blows a call for strike 3, and the whole ball was in the strike zone, **** just got serious. I hunker down and really think about the pitches I'm about to throw. And if the counts 1-2, DO NOT GIVE IN and throw a ball that's more over the plate, because that's what CPU wants you to do. Pay no attention to rather you will, or will not get the call. Continue pitching to setup the next pitch.

I love how balls and strikes are called. I can take close pitches os 3-1 in hopes of walking. What I don't like are blown calls at home in tied ball games where the catcher obviously tags you high lunging at you.

[cardinalbird5]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

He isn't arguing about the umpires not being varied. He is arguing that the strikezone is too small and calls on the black (on the real strikezone) are called balls more often than not. That is not a true representation of how real umpires work. The high strike is called too often as well.

I agree with OP. The strikezone just needs to be adjusted to how it actually works and not to what the rulebook says.

[Bobhead]

Re: Let's talk balls/strikes (not ratio)

He isn't arguing about the umpires not being varied. He is arguing that the strikezone is too small and calls on the black (on the real strikezone) are called balls more often than not. That is not a true representation of how real umpires work. The high strike is called too often as well.

I agree with OP. The strikezone just needs to be adjusted to how it actually works and not to what the rulebook says.

Actually the way the width of the zone is called in real life is compliant with the rule book.

The entire baseball does not need to be inside the strike zone at any given time. The rules state it is a strike if "any part of the ball passes through any part of the strike zone." If a single millimeter of the baseball intersects with the strike zone or its boundaries, it should be called a strike. Umpires aren't being nice with those pitches on the black, they are supposed to call them.

And I agree with the OP, this is not really how it is represented in The Show.