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Originally Posted by prosec34
Regarding the NFHS rule on HBP, this came up Saturday for me in a freshman playoff game. Tie game, bottom of the seventh with one out and the bases loaded. The pitcher throws inside and the pitch gets away, going straight at the batter's torso. The batter turns his shoulder in to where it hits him in the back, but in no way did he make an attempt to avoid being hit. Arguably, he tried to lessen the impact of the blow, but he didn't try to get out of the way. From his body language, you could tell he was only too happy to be hit in that situation.
I recognized the issue immediately, but I hesitated for a half-second while I thought it over. My partner, who is more experienced, called for the batter to go back to the batter's box. I immediately backed up my partner's call, but of course, the coach and fans on that side went ballistic.
Luckily, the call didn't matter as the batter got the game-winning hit. Nevertheless, I went to my case book to see if it shed light on the situation, and it didn't. Taken literally, the NFHS rule would not give first to the batter, but I really don't like that rule. That's not baseball the way I understand it.
I'd like some opinions from veteran high school umps on this.
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You do not "bail out the defense" when they erred.
You said
The pitcher throws inside and the pitch gets away, going straight at the batter's torso.
Sounds like the pitch was "WAY" inside. In addition, when a pitch is that far inside as a player you are taught to get "hit" in a place where no bones may be broken etc. In other words turn into the pitch and let it hit you in the buttox, back etc.
If you do not allow the batter first on the play you describe you will have trouble all game long.
Bottom Line: When F1 errs ie; throws a pitch way inside and it got away from him do not "bail" him out.
Now as another poster mentioned if it's a slow curve that breaks late etc. and it's obvious the player had plenty of time to avoid is one thing, but when a pitch is way inside etc. Give benefit of doubt to the hitter.
Pete Booth