wickart@iuvax.UUCP (05/01/84)
Whatever happened to the wonderful set of puzzles, "So you think you know baseball" ? This was what first got me hooked on the net. In hopes of reviving such discussion, let me pose two problems: 1) How is it?possible for a pitcher to strike HIMSELF out. I know this sounds impossible, but remember that the record book has its own problems. My favorite puzzle of years gone by is how to get four legal outs in one inning. 2) (Note: this one actually happened to me!) There is a runner on first (call it Andrews) with nobody out. The batter (call it Beeblebrox) hits a long ball, allowing Andrews to round third. Andrews is now caught in a rundown between third and home. Beeblebrox, bowing to the inevitable, takes third base. Now it gets sticky: Beeblebrox, having second thoughts, returns to second to give Andrews more options. You are covering the plate and have just recieved the ball, with Andrews backpedalling for third and Beeblebrox slowly jogging toward second (hoping to draw your throw). What is your best line of play ? Please send replies to this note, rather than creating new notes. I've seen "Na, Na" so many times, I'm thinking of going back to my old, pro-Cubs philosophy of the universe. Also, if anyone wants the answer to the four outs problem, please mail me a request, and I'll reply (probably the following afternoon). T.F. Prune (ihnp4!inuxc!iuvax!wickart)