Quote:
Originally Posted by EsqUmp
What is interesting is the number of people who comment when they have never moved the bat. They do not speak from experience because they have never done it. I have removed hundreds of bats safely, carefully and cautiously. I have never had a problem doing it. No ball has ever hit a moved bat. No player has ever tripped over a moved bat. I have never hit anyone with a moved bat.
Keeping in mind that ASA refuses to put in print that umpires are not to remove the bat, what seems to be a greater chance for liability: 1) Sliding a bat away from the plate where a runner is barreling in and can either be hurt by the bat or turn the bat into a flying projectile or 2) sliding a bat away 5 or 10 feet where no body is or where an on-deck batter or retired runner can grab it?
Not once have I ever had a single issue removing the bat. So why not remove it?
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Clearing the bat when necessary, available, and possible has been taught at baseball clinics given by professional umpires. Go to a knee and slide the bat on the ground behind you while keeping your head focused on any responsibilities. It does not have to be done. I don't know about the smaller softball field possibities.