Quote:
Originally posted by Kaliix
In the Koufax league games that I have been doing lately (and even at the high school level) I have continually have the first batter of an inning come up to the edge of the dirt area around home plate and stand there trying to time the opposing pitchers pitches.
There is a rule about this in FED, but it is not covered in OBR. I routinely send them back to the on-deck circle. I believe it is something I am allowed to do under 9.01(c).
When a coach asks why, I give them one or all of the following reasons:
1)It gives an advantage to the offense.
2)In upper levels of baseball, it can buy you a ball up and in, if not at you.
3)Pitchers can be wild.
4)It's not allowed in High School anyways.
And honestly, I think it's considered kinda bush league.
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Here is the best reason:
I don't have all of the specifics so hopefully someone else will chime in and complete the details. Several years ago, an NCAA player was doing exactly what you describe. The pitcher took offense to this and drilled him DURING WARMUPS!
The player was so seriously hurt that it ended his career. He was consiered a hot MLB prospect and the school, the pitcher, the conference, and the umpires were sued. I don't know the results of the suit but NCAA umpires now are strictly instructed to keep on deck batters in the on deck circle on their side of the field.
Peter