My Letter to the International League

To the International League,

I am writing in reference to the game played earlier today between the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs and Buffalo Bison. The game ended as the result of inclement weather and in a controversial way.

To summarize, the game had a steady light rain throughout the game and into the ninth inning when, during a legitimate rally on the part of the Ironpigs, the grounds crew pulled the tarp onto the field effectively ending the game. With only one out and the bases loaded, it was very likely the Ironpigs could have tied or even taken the lead in this game.

While I am familiar with the rule that any game not completed due to weather is considered final if past the 5th inning, I would suggest this rule might be adjusted to meet the circumstances of the specific game.

For example: In the 2008 World Series, Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig stated that no playoff game would be rain shortened, and a new rule was made.

Baseball history is full of new rules stemming from players, teams and coaches trying to gain an advantage while still keeping within the existing rules. When Ty Cobb perfected a bunt that landed in fair territory and would ricochet far behind the catcher, a new rule was created to prevent that trickery. When players like Eddie Stanky would place themselves several yards up the left field line on a fly ball, then running at full speed timing his touch of 3rd base with the catch of the fly, a new rule was created.

The circumstances of why the field in Buffalo was not properly tended during the game and the timeliness of the tarp being pulled raise many suspicions to all involved.

Let’s clear this up and create a rule that states a game can be suspended if the circumstances, like the above, would provide for it.

Respectfully submitted,

Dan Kehl