The Washington herald., 1916-04-03
Heydler Sends Out Rules for
Determining Which Mound
man Should Get Credit.
RULING is NECESSARY

New York. April 2-OficiaI scorers of
the National League will receive this
week from John A. Heydler. secretary
Of the league, copies Of the basic rules
and principles determining games won
and lost where two OF more pitchers
participate for the same team in the
same game.
While it Is not possible to make hard
and fast rules for determining which
pitcher should be credited with winning
or charged with the loss of a game,
there are certain fundamental rules in
arriving at a decision which have stood
the test OF criticism, and which are as
follows
l. When one pitcher Is relieved by an
other. with runners on bases, charge up
all such runners, in case they score. to the
first pitcher. The relieving pitcher, COM
ing into the game cold" and possibly in
the midst OF a batting rally, cannot be
held responsible for runners he may find
on the bases; nor should he be charged
up with the first batsman he faces reach
ing first IL such bstsman had any ad-
vantage because OF the wild pitching Of
the first pitcher.
>. When the relieving pitcher goes in
with the score tie on even innings he
must win or lose the game, regardless Of
the number of INNINGS or how effectively
the first pitcher may have pitched. II
the first pitcher is relieved with the
score in his favor, and later the score is
tied up of second pitchey. then the latter
wins or loses. A tie game at any stage
with no one on bases) must be con-
sidered. to all intents and purposes, as
the start Of new game for the second
pitcher.
J. Where the first pitcher is retired
after pitching. say, seven innings, he Is
entitled to the benefit of all runs scored
by his side in an equal number OF in
nings. For instance. Brown, Of the home
club, has pitched seven innings, with the
score > to 0 against him. He IL taken
out when his turn at bat comes in the
seventh. Before close OF that inning his
team has scored two runs. Brown re
tires with the game a tic, and the next
pitcher becomes responsible.
T. Do not give the first pitcher credit
for a game won. even if score is in his
favor unless he has pitched at least the
first half OF the game. A pitcher re-
tired at close of fourth inning, with the
score TO l in his favor, has not won
game II, however. he is taken out be-
cause his team having secured a COM
manding and winning lead in a few in
nings, then he is entitled to the win.
The good Judgment of the scorer must
determine in such cases. as much de-
perds on whether the pitcher is relieved
because OF fnehectiyeness, or because he
has a commanding lead, or because it
becomes necessary at a critical stage to
rc~laCe him by a stronger batsman.
: RoEa rd'Css OF how many innings
IN" first pitcher may have pitched, he is
charged with the loss of the game II he
is retired with the score against him and
EiF team is unable thereafter either to
Ii" or overcome that lead.
No attempt has been made to cover in
the foregoing all of the many situations
tha' present themselves to the scorer in
gFwes where pitchers are changed In
Isolated cases tn" application OF these
rules may work hardsbips TO one pitch
CT or tho other: but on the seasons
T'ay. coupled with your good Judgment,
r"Eust5 following Observance Of these
r.les Sh0Ild prove as satisfactory as
they have Tor years past.