Massive Controversy Angers Baseball Fans as Bizarre Rule Dampens Tennessee High School’s Victory

Baseball is a sport that has been loved for decades. Established many years ago, it continues to be enjoyed by millions of fans today. But even with this beloved sport, there are some incidents that spark debate and cause a divide. Most recently, a rule meant to protect players bizarrely caused controversy as it dampened a Tennessee High School’s fantastic performance. 

Rules and regulations are in place for a reason, to create order and protect the players. But in some cases, these very rules can be the root of mass controversy and protest. That is what happened when this Tennessee High School suffered due to one particular rule. 

Ensworth Baseball loses a game after pitcher Connor Cobb goes over pitch count in stellar 16-strikeout pitching outing

The pitch count is a relatively recent rule, having come into focus over the last 15 years or so. At the high school level, it is even more recent, having been implemented in a majority of states in the last 5 years or so, with certain states not following it. Most recently, Ensworth, a high school in Tennessee, a state which has a 120-pitch count, was kicked out of the state playoffs for breaking the rule. They beat a competing High School 5-0 behind star pitcher Connor Cobb’s dominant 16-strikeout no-hitter. But Cobb threw 121 pitches and violated the rule, which his head coach then reported, leading to them losing the game and the playoff series. Barstool Sports shared the news via Twitter.

In a Tweet, Barstool Sports said, “A Tennessee High School Got Kicked Out Of The State Playoffs After A Kid Threw A 16-Strikeout No-Hitter But Went One Pitch Over The Pitch Count Limit”. This was a tragic way to lose a playoff game and fans have reacted to the result.

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The reactions to this result have been mostly negative. 

Some fans called the rule old-fashioned.

Others lamented the unfortunate result. 

These restrictive baseball rules at the high school and college levels have regularly caused controversies. Furthermore, players are being ejected for timid acts, causing division. Notably, umpires’ decisions have caused considerable controversy as well. 

An umpire made an egregious call to end a college game

During a game in March, Mississippi Valley State University suffered a 7-3 defeat against the University of New Orleans. But the umpire’s game-ending call angered fans. Mississippi Valley State outfielder Davon Mims was batting in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and a strike. The umpire called a second strike, which caused frustration in Mims as he reacted. On the next pitch, the umpire called a strikeout on a low and away pitch far from the strike zone.

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This incident angered both the fans and the players. But the umpire has since been suspended. What do you think of Ensworth losing their magnificent game because of the pitch count? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.