The Fake Grass Hop

[IngredientX]

Playing HH2K1, I was in the middle of the game at Three Rivers Stadium when my third baseman threw a runner out at first with a two-hopper. The announcer immediately called it as "a play common on Astroturf."

I'm not very wise on the ways of artificial grass (I guess I don't get out enough ), so it's possible everybody and their uncle does this and I've missed it. Is it done a lot? Why?

[klwash64]

Who was the batter. It had to be some one slow. WHo was your third baseman and your first baseman? Not that it really matters, I was just curious to see if the players actually run like real life.

[IngredientX]

All the players were fictional, sorry...

[Storm]

Actually, yes. Many players will do that. Did you ever watch the Astros in the Astrodome? Biggio adn Caminitti do it failry regularly, if they need to make a fast throw (Biggio usually only fielding to his right). The astro turf gives such a fast and true bounce that it can be a very good way to make a throw. But usually only ONE hop, not to, and only on tough throws... not with a slow runner and plenty of time

[Ironman]

I just heard that line the other day and was very pleased this detail was included in the game.

[IngredientX]

I see! Is there ever a case of the ball hitting a seam in the astroturf and spinning off into the dugout, or does that never happen?

[Storm]

I suppose it must, but I've never seen a ball catch the seam... I've heard about it, though