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Old Fri May 02, 2008, 06:50am
IRISHMAFIA IRISHMAFIA is offline
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Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: USA
Posts: 14,565
I think some of you are missing the point. It isn't the player.

It is the coach's job to manage the team. Most are talking about addressing the player. It is the coach's job to have a batter in the box. It is the coach's job to control his pitcher and rest of the players.

You don't call the batter to the box, you tell the coach you need a batter. If the girl refuses to bat, it is the coach's job to get her or a substitute in there. If he refuses to do that, there is no reason for him/her to be in the dugout.

It is not the umpire's job or position, to insure the batter bats and the pitcher pitches. If the coach refuses to coach, what is the umpire to do? The coach IS the team. HS umpires know that if you toss the coach and there is not another adult associated with that school present, the game cannot continue.

I'm not looking for a forfeit and I agree that is a very drastic option. However, depending on the situation, you may not have a choice. If there are issues, what happens the next inning when another player balks at approaching the plate? Or maybe a pitcher refuses to throw to a certain batter? If the pitcher will not pitch, the rest of the team cannot play.

Not taking a particular position as every scenario can be different. Just offering food for thought.
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