[St. Louis Blue]

I have done this in lower levels a couple of times. Both times, I couldn't tell if the pitch grazed the batter so I asked him " did that pitch hit you?" Answer " Yes, but I want to bat." Games were blow outs and the hitter was on the losing team. I figure if they want to bat, let them do it in lower levels. Competitive levels, take your base.
Glen is right about the girls, they almost always want to hit. I think giving the option of taking the base or hitting should be incorporated in some leagues. We have what is known here as a Concurrent League. This is a developmental league with interleague games. No standings are kept and coaches are encouraged to allow players to play positions they normally wouldn't play in league play. Basically a practice game league. I see no reason why kids shouldn't hit if they want to in this league. That is one of the major thrills in baseball.