On-Deck Hitter

[C'monBlue]

It has become a local custom of the summer leagues here to allow the on-deck hitter to stand on the side of the batter, i.e., he will stand on the third-base side when there is a right-handed batter regardless if it is the side of his own team. While I'm not particularly concerned about one team taunting the other, are there any liability issues that one should consider when allowing a player to stand in the wrong place in live-ball territory? Is this a practice that umpires should stop (for CYA reasons), or am I being an OOO?

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by C'monBlue

It has become a local custom of the summer leagues here to allow the on-deck hitter to stand on the side of the batter, i.e., he will stand on the third-base side when there is a right-handed batter regardless if it is the side of his own team. While I'm not particularly concerned about one team taunting the other, are there any liability issues that one should consider when allowing a player to stand in the wrong place in live-ball territory? Is this a practice that umpires should stop (for CYA reasons), or am I being an OOO?

Personally, I think that in games where players shave above the shoulders, on-deck batters should remain on the same side as their dugout.

If there is concern in other leagues, keep them in DBT.

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by GarthB

Personally, I think that in games where players shave above the shoulders, on-deck batters should remain on the same side as their dugout.

If there is concern in other leagues, keep them in DBT.

Is this a blanket statement regardless of field dimensions?
I've already done a game this year where I've allowed the on deck player to warm up behind the batter. This was a HS sophomore game. I did not suggest it but neither did I not allow it. If the proximity of the dug outs is so close that normal reflexes won't prevent a foul from crushing a skull I prefer to have them switch sides. There's only a couple fields that I work that have this problem so it's not an everyday occurance, and I have never had any issues with touting or any type of unsportsmanlike behavior as a result.

[TwoBits]

It's common for the leagues in this area that use OBR rules to allow the on deck batter to warmup on the side of the batter. However, since this is specifically forbidden in FED rules, leagues using that rule set do not allow it.

[ozzy6900]

The on-deck batter belongs in his own area. That means on the same side as his dugout is on. That's where he belongs no matter what age!

[Don Mueller]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

The on-deck batter belongs in his own area. That means on the same side as his dugout is on. That's where he belongs no matter what age!

If breaking up a double play isn't sacred then why should this be.
Safety is safety, join the 21st century dude.

[PeteBooth]

Ever Since the Witchita State incident (see attached link)

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...23/ai_55198802

our umpire association has been instructed to pay more attention to where the on deck batters position themselves. It has also become a "point of emphasis" as well.

You said

It has become a local custom of the summer leagues here to allow the on-deck hitter to stand on the side of the batter,

Therefore, IMO your summer association needs to enforce the on-deck batter rule from DAY 1. If others are not going to enforce it, then you will have a problem when you try to enforce it.

As Garth said for shaving age players enforce the rule otherwise you are asking for trouble.

Pete Booth