On-Deck Hitter

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by BigGuy

If the rule says they are to be confined to their own side - then make sure they do. If distance does not allow a safe ODC, keep them in DBT. No matter what you want to think about it if you allow deviations and someone gets hurt as a result, you have now absorbed some amount of liability. That's why the rules are written the way they are. If you follow them, you are covered - if you don't, you open yourself up wide. If you want to call it CYA, so be it. Just remember, you're also covering the a$$ of the kid who wants to cross the line, but you hold him back.

I agree that it's the rule, I agree about the liability and I agree it's partly a CYA issue. Can't argue with any of that and won't.
Look, I'm not trying to convince anyone else to do it this way, I'm not saying it's the "right way" but it's what I do in those very few occasions that the ODC is too close.
Here's my justification.
1. I'm not forcing the kid into his on deck circle if he's uncomfortable with the proximity.
2. I'm not sending him to DBT because that will add 20-30 minutes to my game.
3. The opposite ODC has so little risk that I'm willing to trade that risk for 20 minutes and eliminating the obviously dangerous proper ODC.

I don't think a logical argument can be made that in cases of close proximity ODCs the one behind the batter isn't much safer and Fed if nothing else is all about safety

[LDUB]

Originally Posted by Don Mueller

1. I'm not forcing the kid into his on deck circle if he's uncomfortable with the proximity.

1. He can stay in the dugout if he doesn't want to use the circle. No one is forcing him to do anything.
2. He can go somewhere in DBT to swing.
3. He can move towards the outfield and stand near the base coach.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by LDUB

1. He can stay in the dugout if he doesn't want to use the circle. No one is forcing him to do anything.
2. He can go somewhere in DBT to swing.
3. He can move towards the outfield and stand near the base coach.

Amen to that. He has plenty of options. Keep him out of the opposition's circle!