Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • Classifieds
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Sports / Columnists / Agree to Disagree: Leave him in

Agree to Disagree: Leave him in

August 26, 2010 by Ryan Cantrell

Take him out, leave him in. Take him out, leave him in. One of the hardest decisions for a baseball manager to make during the game is deciding when is best to pull the pitcher from the game.

Many factors contribute to this, including pitch count and how well the pitcher is throwing during the game. One great debate still exists in baseball today: should you take out a pitcher who has a no-hitter or perfect game going?

Monday night, Rich Harden, starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers, had a no-hitter through 6.2 innings, before getting pulled from the game because of a high pitch count. As the game progressed, the no-hitter was broken up in the ninth inning. Neftali Feliz gave up a hit, needing only two outs for something historic. In a post-game interview, Harden said the right things but was clearly upset that he was not left in the game for a chance to chase this incredible feat.

Now most people will side with Ron Washington, Ranger manager, who said you have to protect your pitcher and can’t leave him in there. If the pitcher wants to stay in and feels like he can keep throwing, however, you have to give him the chance to stay in the game.

With the exception of Nolan Ryan, most pitchers will not throw a no-hitter or a perfect game anytime in their careers.  The few pitchers that do accomplish this great feat only accomplish it once. Harden deserved that chance Monday night – and it just didn’t happen.

Take a look at this baseball season: a couple weeks ago, the Twins faced the same situation. Kevin Slowey was pulled after seven innings, despite not allowing a hit. Jon Rauch gave up a hit in the next inning, thus ruining Slowey’s no-hitter.  I’ll admit there is no guaranteed that Harden or Rauch would not have given up a hit in the last two innings of the game, but in both games we will never know if either of the pitchers could have gone the distance.

Earlier in the season, A.J. Hinch, Diamondback manager, left Edwin Jackson in the game – even though he didn’t have a high pitch count – because he had a no-hitter in tact. Jackson made history, throwing a 149 pitch no-hitter. Hinch gave Jackson a shot at history, and Jackson threw the game of his career. I just wish Harden and Slowey had the same opportunity.

Filed Under: Columnists Tagged With: Baseball

Other Sports:

  • GCU outlasts ACU in pulse-pounding conference matchup

  • Wildcats unable to grab win in battle against New Mexico State

  • Wildcats break four game losing streak with win over UT Arlington

About Ryan Cantrell

You are here: Home / Sports / Columnists / Agree to Disagree: Leave him in

Other Sports:

  • GCU outlasts ACU in pulse-pounding conference matchup

  • Wildcats unable to grab win in battle against New Mexico State

  • Wildcats break four game losing streak with win over UT Arlington

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
25 Jan

Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. Read more:

https://acuoptimist.com/2023/01/student-life-implements-new-software-for-spring-rushing-season/

Reply on Twitter 1618294775052144640 Retweet on Twitter 1618294775052144640 Like on Twitter 1618294775052144640 Twitter 1618294775052144640
acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist ·
23 Jan

The Abilene community came together Monday to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. with a peaceful walk through the streets of the city. Read more: https://acuoptimist.com/2023/01/gallery-martin-luther-king-jr-walk-gathers-hundreds-of-abilene-community-members/

Reply on Twitter 1617595967737298950 Retweet on Twitter 1617595967737298950 Like on Twitter 1617595967737298950 3 Twitter 1617595967737298950

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

7 hours ago

The Optimist
Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. Read more: ... See MoreSee Less

Student life implements new software, updates rushing process - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Greek Life has started a partnership with Campus Director, a software company that works with universities all over the country. The Campus Director software has an algorithm programmed to match rushe...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
The university will receive nearly $30 million from the estate of the late Dr. Bill and Janie Dukes. The gift will go towards establishing the Dr. William P. and Janie B. Dukes Excellence in Finance Endowment supporting student scholarships and endowed faculty positions. Read more: ... See MoreSee Less

Historic gift given to college of business - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

The university will receive nearly $30 million from the estate of the late Dr. Bill and Janie Dukes. The gift will go towards establishing the Dr. William P. and Janie B. Dukes Excellence in Finance E...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Optimist Newscast Jan. 25, 2023

Tune in to this week's newscast for a look at Greek Life rushing, the annual ... [Read More…]

  • Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV
  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Podcasts

© 2023 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved