Quote:
Originally Posted by EsqUmp
The problem is the wording of the ASA rule. If a batter freezes because a ball is coming at her at 65 mph, ASA's rule says she doesn't get first. The interpretation would have to be that she does though because not all batters can in fact get out of the way. If you couldn't get out of the way as an umpire, how the hell is a batter to get out of the way? As written, the ASA doesn't permit common sense to be applied.
You'll certainly get into more trouble leaving hit batters in the batter's box then giving them first base.
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Common sense certainly is not being applied based on the rule in NCAA, NFHS and any other rule set that followed. Way to many HBP that are either strikes or not in the batters box that the batters are just standing there taking, leaning into or hanging their armored elbows into. And, if you think the ASA rule is poorly written these other associations rules are equally as poorly written. All you ever hear from coaches and even umpires in general is that no attempt to avoid is required and that simply is not true. An attempt is required to avoid, unless the ball is ENTIRELY within the batters box.