Taking off the helmet

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by voiceoflg

NFHS. Bottom of the seventh, one runner on, two out, home team down by two. Batter hits a homer over the fence to tie it up. Runner scores. Batter/runner takes off his helmet between third and home and throws it up in the air. Umpire calls him out for doing that.

I don't dispute the call. As I understand it, that is the rule. But dang, that is a heck of a way to lose a game.

Thoughts?

It is NOT the rule. Blown big time. Look at the highlighted parts. It is not even a violation because the ball was dead. If done while the ball is live it is only a warning.

PENALTY: When an umpire observes anyone who is required to wear a batting helmet deliberately remove his batting helmet while in live-ball territory and the ball is live, the umpire shall issue a warning to the coach of the involved team, unless the ball becomes dead without being touched by a fielder or, after being touched, goes directly to dead-ball area. A subsequent violation of the rule shall result in ejection.

[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives....[B

while in live-ball territory and the ball is live....[/B]

ART. 1 ... Ball becomes dead immediately when: (f). a fair batted ball: (4). goes over or through or wedges in the field fence,...

translation: Ball is dead, NO violation.