Help me settle a bet. My friend says that it's a MLB rule that if a player is hit by a ball that they are not allowed to rub/touch where they are hit. I can't believe that this is true, although I can't remember seeing any player actully do it. My dispute is that it's not an actual MLB rule, but more an unwritten one? Anyone have the answer for me?

You lose.

Rule 4-12, Section B-3-c:

"No batter who is hit by a pitch shall rub, massage, or otherwise touch any spot where a pitch has hit him."

Penalty: The batter is out.

Please tell me you just made this rule up to give everybody a good laugh. Why on earth does such a rule exist? It does not make any sense.

MTD, Sr.

NICE!!!

You are, of course, correct.
For games subject to media scrutiny, players are not allowed to touch certain parts of their body.
mick

Ok here's another question - I looked at the MLB website and brought up the Official Rules they have posted on it. According to that posting Rule 4.12 speaks about SUSPENDED GAMES, not being hit by a pitch? Where can I find the rule you are talking about listed on a Official Site?

It was a joke, there is no such rule.

Sorry for messin' with you, mandyr26,

...What LDUB said.

mick

hah,
 

I'll have to remember that one. A new way to get some free outs!

Jeremiah