[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Thom Coste

Could you tell me, please, where this comes from? According to FED rules, I don't have to warn anyone, and I can dump a pitcher for throwing "close to a batter," even if he doesn't hit the batter ... not that I would, but I could within the the rules.

So, if I elect to warn a pitcher, I am sure as heck going to warn the other bench lest they think they get a free shot.

Actually, the real FED language is 6-2-3:

SECTION 2 INFRACTIONS BY PITCHER

ART. 3 ... Intentionally throw close to a batter.

PENALTY: The pitcher shall be ejected if the act is judged to be intentional. In case of doubt, the umpire may first warn the pitcher.


NCAA reads a bit differently - Section 9.2:

SECTION 2. The pitcher shall not:

g. Intentionally pitch at the batter;

PENALTY for g.—If the umpire believes such a violation has occurred, a warning shall be issued to the pitcher and both opposing coaches that future violations by any pitcher will be cause for immediate ejection of the pitcher and the coach from the game.


OBR is similar in 8.02(c):

(d) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter.

If, in the umpire’s judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to:

1. Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game, or

2. may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager.

If, in the umpire’s judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially “warned” prior to the game or at any time during the game.
(League Presidents may take additional action under authority provided in Rule 9.05.)

Rule 8.02(d) Comment: To pitch at a batter’s head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be—and is—condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.

__________________________________________________ ___________

As you all can see, NCAA and ORB are specific in that both teams can be/may be warned. The FED reads only that the pitcher is warned (or ejected immediately). FED looks down on the "both team warnings" for all aspects of the game. I do not agree but that is the FED but I am not there to make my own rules or read into them anything that is not written.

Still have doubts? Then go to your FED rule interpreters and ask them what the FED says - not what all umpires think the FED says. It is quite surprising how the FED who is so safety concerned frowns on giving both teams a warning.

How do I know this? Simple - 3 years ago, I got nailed with a letter of correction from the State (CIAC) because I warned both teams because the Home F1 threw at a batter. The letter was generated by the Visiting Coach. I was shocked to learn that FED does not want the offense to get a warning for something that they did not do (yet). I was also informed that it is against FED policy to warn teams before the game (as in NCAA or OBR).

You people do what you want, I've already gotten my a$$ chewed for it. I also haven't gotten any post season games since then.

Please don't bother to complain to me anymore about this - I've had my day in court and I lost.

Regards,
Ozzy