Hit by pitch - Ejection - Can they replace runner at 1?
 

Hi,

During the fourth inning a batter gets HP'ed for a second time. He charges off towards the mound (bat in hand).

The plate umpire yells "Time" repeatedly then "Take another step and you're gone" the player takes 2-3 more steps so the umpire ejects him. Now the coach asks if they can put a runner at one? Can he?

Arguments for a runner:
1. The ball was dead as soon as it hit the batter so you can't call him out.
2. The batter got hit in the ribs, then ejected...Can you punish the side again by giving an out also?

Argument against the runner:
1. The batter did not take up his position at one so even if he was entitled to the base he never did.
2. Charging the pitcher bat in hand is a serious offense. Out of the game and an out for the inning.

So runner or not?

Regards
SAWolf

Look, this isn't a trial! We don't need "arguments for the defense or the prosecution". The ball was dead when it struck the batter. He charges the mound, he's gone! Have the coach get a substitute on 1st base and get on with the game! There is nothing in the rules to call an out here.

Other than malicious contact in FED, an ejection does not result in an out -- there's no "double penalty" (even in FED, it's an out only because it's also interference).

Actually, I never thought of of using the ol' "Immediately take your base" thing. I guess if I NEEDED out, I could use that! ;)

Otherwise, I think I would eject the kid and have the sub assume his spot at first base.

My question is, how could the plate ump allow the guy to get that many steps away from them. When I have a hit by pitch, I am out in front of the batter immediately to prevent this very thing from happening. I make this "look good" by checking with the batter to make sure he is ok, but again this also serves to put me between the batter and pitcher. Since I started doing this, I have never had a batter do more than just shoot a dirty look to the pitcher.