What is the process for opening/closing the roof during a game?

[Brock Beauchamp]

I'm sure Spencer is accurate here but how does this usually work? Does the heads groundskeeper make the request and then it is approved/declined by the umpire crew chief?

 

[owbc]

Quote

 

The rule goes on to say: “the roof can be closed only for weather reasons if the game begins with the roof open. If the game begins with the roof closed, it can be reopened once if the home team determines the climatic environment has reached a level where fan comfort and enjoyment will be best served by opening the roof.

“The roof may be moved only once during a game, unless inclement weather indicates otherwise. During the postseason, the Commissioner or another designated official shall make all decisions regarding roof movement, in consultation with the home club and the umpire crew chief.”

 

The above is from a Chicago-based source but I think the Brewers may have gotten themselves a home field advantage by closing the roof at the perfect time. Gotta love this latest twist in the rivalry 😀

[homer]

Are the Cubs whining about this? Maybe they should stop canceling games when there's no rain before soiling themselves about Milwaukee's roof.

 

[KeithStone53151]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ground_rules

There's a section in this link which is sourced information.

Universal[edit]

• The decision as to whether a game begins with the roof open or closed rests solely with the home club.
• If the game begins with the roof open:
  • It shall be closed only in the event of impending rain or other adverse weather conditions. The decision to close the roof shall be made by the home club, after consultation with the Umpire Crew Chief.
  • The Umpire Crew Chief shall notify the visiting club, which may challenge the closing of the roof if it feels that a competitive imbalance will arise. In such an event, the Umpire Crew Chief shall make a final decision based on the merits of the challenge.

[KeithStone53151]

It takes 10 minutes for the roof to close. So not only are we perfectly timing when rain comes into the area, but also timing the closing of the roof to perfectly coincide with the start of brewers batting? This is quite the competitive advantage we have. Wait until other teams find out about the guy on our staff that practices wizardry and voodoo magic. You think Mike Trout's hamate was a freak injury...think again.

[Brock Beauchamp]

33 minutes ago, homer said:

Are the Cubs whining about this? Maybe they should stop canceling games when there's no rain before soiling themselves about Milwaukee's roof.

I've seen Cubs twitter throwing a fit. Most of the NSBB folks are pretty reasonable, they're more wondering than accusing.

I remember that "rainout". Completely absurd.

[owbc]

1 hour ago, KeithStone53151 said:

It takes 10 minutes for the roof to close. So not only are we perfectly timing when rain comes into the area, but also timing the closing of the roof to perfectly coincide with the start of brewers batting? This is quite the competitive advantage we have. Wait until other teams find out about the guy on our staff that practices wizardry and voodoo magic. You think Mike Trout's hamate was a freak injury...think again.

How long does it take to fix the issue with the infield shadows? 

I think there's something to this and if so, I think it's a brilliant move on our part. Once you get umpire approval to close the roof, do you have to press the button immediately? And can you get an improvement in the shadows in 3-4 minutes? 

That said, it does seem like yesterday's complaints are far fetched. Looking back at the highlights, it was the light from the windows that was interfering with the Cubs in the top of the 8th. In the bottom of the 8th it appears to have been cloudy outside so there was no sun coming through the windows.