Commission approves temporary coach-pitch relief for walks in 10U softball; change applies after April 21

The Escalon Recreation Commission approved a temporary rule modification on April 2 allowing coach-pitch relief after walks in the 10-and-under softball division for games played after April 21.

Staff presented the issue and circulated sample language (Attachment 3) after a coach raised concerns that young pitchers' inconsistency was producing many walks and extended innings. Recreation staff summarized the proposal: after a batter receives a walk, the coach would step in and deliver up to two pitches; if the batter makes contact the play stands, if not the batter would be out under the sample wording.

Coach Erin Calderon, who raised the concern, described testing a similar approach in a game: "I struck out half my team because I wasn't practicing in that way. But I do see the benefits. It did keep the game going...but I do think there should be some type of limit," she said, favoring a partial-season approach to balance player development and game flow.

After discussion about fairness and coach agreement before games, Commissioner Showalter moved to adopt Attachment 3 limited to games played after April 21 (described in the staff report as "first half of the season only"). The motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote; the transcript records no named opposing votes.

Staff said the change applies only to Escalon teams and that, if coaches do not mutually agree before a game, the adopted sample rule would not apply. Staff also noted that some outside leagues (such as Modesto teams) follow different rules and that interleague games may remain governed by the visiting league's rules.