whats the rulebook say

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by SAump

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Please explain why the umpires at that ballpark decided to bend the rules and eject the offender and wipe the runs off the board. Perhaps you may write a letter to the TD and offer your services at the next clinic.

I would like to read that letter.

This is easily explained. The umpire that made this call was as ignorant as you are when it comes to the rules of the game. As for the TD, I don't know too many TD's that know the difference between obstruction and interference, so his input on the play should come as no surprise. There's an old saying. When it's you against the world, the smart money is on the world.



Tim.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

This is easily explained. The umpire that made this call was ... ignorant ... when it comes to the rules of the game.

Maybe, maybe not.

Some leagues have a local rule that a batter is out for throwing a bat (perhaps after a warning).

Maybe the game in the OP was played under these rules; maybe the umpire was used to umpiring under these rules (in which case he's still wrong, but it's understandable).

[SAump]

THROWING THE BAT RULE
Young players quite often let go of the bat during or after a swing and sometimes hit another player. There is no rule that covers this situation. It is a safety issue and may be handled under the authority of rule 9.01(c) which gives the umpire authority to rule on anything not specifically covered in the rules.

Quite often I hear that umpires call the batter out for doing this. Sometimes it is after a warning and sometimes without. This is not correct. The defense hasn't earned an out. The batter should be called out, only if the throwing of the bat interfered with an attempted play by the defense.

The Official Little League policy that I was given from Western Region is:
After the first occurrence, inform the player and the manager that if this or any other player lets go of the bat again, he will be removed from the game. He may remain on the bench, he just can't play anymore in that game.

Submitted by: Jim Booth

[BigUmp56]

Sorry, but once again you're wrong. Williamsport has made it very clear that there will be no more administrative removal. I've already given you a direct quote from the Rules Instruction Manual that's handed out exclusively to regional clinicians. As knoweldgable as Jim is, he holds no official position within the heirarcy of the Little League organization, hence whatever insight he's given you on this matter is one based purely on opinion.



Tim.

[SAump]

6.7 THROWN BAT -

6.7.1 The batter is out and the ball is dead if (a) the batter throws the bat unintentionally in a dangerous manner and it hits the catcher, umpire, any player, or coach in his normal position, goes into a dugout or into the crowd which is outside of the playing field (bat must hit spectator or player); or (b) the batter intentionally throws the bat in a dangerous manner or (c) upon hitting a fair or foul ball, the batter unintentionally throws the bat and it interferes with play in any way. These are not appeal plays. They are interference plays and "in a dangerous manner" is to be adjudged by the umpire.