even players loath other players that bring doctored bat to games. if I identify a FoSho doctored bat in the pre-game, I tell the bat owner, I am taking the bat for inspection, or he can take the bat home, and himself with it. if he has a home run derby bat and brought it out into the dugout by mistake, onus is on the player. I give the culprit the option, a face saving way out, or risk confiscation for inspection/examination.
"altered" bats, such as tape, knob cuffs, bat warming, etc. are correctable, and I let them correct it on the spot, or tell them to keep it in the dugout till it's corrected. utrip bats, I ask them politely to keep them in their equipment bags, because someone can pick it up and use it accidentally. I'd never "take" a players bat unless I am sure it's doctored, or else run the risk over-officiating.
I'd follow local league procedures, but my local leagues don't address this, that is why I asked what common sense you would apply when no local rule is stated. diplomatic means different things to different people, umpire included.
Quote:
Originally Posted by NCASAUmp
One of our local leagues has a policy that if an illegal/altered bat is found during the pre-game equipment check, the bat goes to the field supervisor for him/her to hold onto until the end of the game.
If, during the course of the game, a team decides to protest another team's bat after the bat check, they have to pay $50, but the bat is still allowed to be used in the game. At the end of the game, the bat is taken by the field supervisor, who then brings it to the league director for examination.
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