Significance of cleats at the plate?

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2008-08-22 1:18 PM

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Subject: Significance of cleats at the plate?
There was a photo in our paper this morning showing the U.S. Women't Softball team leaving their cleats at home plate. What is the significance of that?

Apologies if this has been addressed. I looked for a thread first.


2008-08-22 1:20 PM
in reply to: #1621739

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Subject: RE: Significance of cleats at the plate?
I know I have seen wrestler or weightlifters do that when they are retiring but if the whole team did it I don't know.  I really doubt the entire team is retiring from competative softball.
2008-08-22 1:24 PM
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Subject: RE: Significance of cleats at the plate?
Well, that may shed some light on the subject. I now suppose it could be due to the fact that they are doing away with softball at the olympics. Thanks!
2008-08-22 1:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Significance of cleats at the plate?
You are correct, it is from the wrestling tradition, and was done because softball is no longer an Olympic sport.
2008-08-22 3:59 PM
in reply to: #1621739

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Subject: RE: Significance of cleats at the plate?

The whole team didn't put their cleats at home plate, just those that are retiring from international play.  Even though they will not be in the 2012 Olympics (possible resurgence in 2016....fingers crossed) there will still be international play in the form of World Championships, Pan-American games, things like that.  So, USA Softball will still be (it was before it became an Olympic Sport back in the '90's).  A lot of the players have played a LONG time with them, and will be missed.  I'm sure the concept of the sport going away from the Olympics helped make their retirement decisions easier. 

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