You make the call: NFHS game- Malicious contact at the plate?

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Unnecessary? Putting up your arms is a natural, normal way to brace for impact. Run at a wall and I betcha you'd do the same thing. I'll even let you run at a padded wall. Now suppose the wall moves into your path.

I'll agree that I'm probably going to put my arms up to protect myself if I'm running at a wall, whether it is padded or not. I'm also going to slow down or veer to the side to avoid running directly into the wall as opposed to lowering my upper body and extending my arms in an attempt to blast my way through the wall.

The only thing that I will add, is that I will admit that in real time from the umpire's perspective, it is a tough call that I would have defended to those around me had I been a spectator (which is pretty much my default stance when watching a game).