Ump Intentially Hit By Pitch?

[TussAgee11]

Arm motion looked like a curve ball to me... but I'd say 80% intentional.

If I were PU, I'd probably talk to the crew before ejecting to make sure I was right. Not the most blatant instance of a catcher letting one back on the umpire, but a pretty good one.

[johnnyg08]

the catcher was blocking the pitch before it was even released...100% intentional...I'm dumping the battery...

[johnnyg08]

then you'll probably have to dump the head coach as well after he comes unglued for trying to lie for his players.

[BEAREF]

I sent this link to an umpire friend of mine who had a short pitching career in the Majors. My comment to him was that certainly he didn't do this during his career...but may have thought about it a time or two. He said that they did accomplish it a few times in the minors, but in the minors they had all year and 120 games to work the timing out so it didn't appear obviously intentional. There would be an ejection or two taking place if it happened while he was working behind the plate though.

[rookieblue]

Man, that wasn't subtle at all. Heads on pikes!

[ozzy6900]

No hesitation for me!

"Catch, you're gone! Pitch, you're gone!"

Manager says anything other than checking on my condition, he's gone, too!

*********************Edited 20:07 EDT****************

Wait a minute!!!!! Look at that video again, people! That ball hit the batter's helmet first, then hit the PU! It was not an intentional throw to the umpire! I withdraw my accusation above.

[mo99]

After reading the article,it states the pitcher and his brother(shortstop)were jawing at the umpire about balls and strikes.Assuming they are using NFHS rules,why were those 2 kids still around in the fourth inning?
No question watching the catchers theatrics,definitely was an intentional act.There is no way a catcher at that level would go to the ground to block a pitch over his head.No place for that in any level,let alone high school ball.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

No hesitation for me!
Wait a minute!!!!! Look at that video again, people! That ball hit the batter's helmet first, then hit the PU! It was not an intentional throw to the umpire! I withdraw my accusation above.

The first time I saw the video I thought it hit the batter as well. But I think it's just the camera angle. I don't think a batter would take one off the head and react that way.

I, however, do think he was attempting to throw a curve ball based on the hand position after his hand crosses his body. Then again, me might be purposely throwing a hanging curve

It's an odd situation

-Josh

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by jdmara

The first time I saw the video I thought it hit the batter as well. But I think it's just the camera angle. I don't think a batter would take one off the head and react that way.

I, however, do think he was attempting to throw a curve ball based on the hand position after his hand crosses his body. Then again, me might be purposely throwing a hanging curve

It's an odd situation

-Josh

There is no doubt that F1 is throwing a curve.

I put this video into stop motion here at work and I have to say, it looks close but I do not see any movement of the helmet. I agree that the batter's initial actions dictate that he was not hit.

UmpJM, you are correct about video replay. It causes second guessing and in this case probably the wrong decision. I guess I was right in my first, gut reaction - dump 'em!

[ILRef80]

Originally Posted by GoodScout

This play took place during the GHSA championship game over the weekend. Stephens County is pitching to Cartersville, that went on to win the game and the title 13-1.
http://www.workhorsevideoproductions...he%20pitch.mpg

Crew didn't respond with any ejections, as it couldn't ascertain that the action was intentional, but GHSA is waiting for the school's investigation to be complete before it decides if further action is needed.
http://www.ajc.com/highschool/conten...ge_tab_newstab

Question is, was the action intentional? If so, what should be the penalty?

Absolutely intentional. Dump the pitcher, catcher, and head coach at the minimum.

[Mike L]

The clapping going on by the parents in the "red" stands lets you know where the kids got the idea in the first place.

[dhargaman]

Well, sure looks to me like it's intentional. Catcher dropped his body and head when the pitch went straight ahead. Had this happen to me in HS varsity game couple years ago.

Pitcher thought I squeezed his zone inning before, lost his shut-out. After warm-up pitches, catcher went to mound. First pitch catcher flopped on ground and pitch went past my right ear. Had heard stories, but first time having it happen. Took a few seconds figuring out "did that just happen" and didn't dump anyone. Probably would have if pitch had hit me. All I can plead is inexperience. Told the catcher "that better not ever happen again" and finished the game. After talking to fellow umps over next couple of days, realized how I should have handled it and contacted my assignor. On his advice, I contacted the AD at the school and he wound up suspending the players for the next game. I'd definitely dump the battery if I had it to do again, especially since I got my collar bone broken by a foul ball a week ago while doing 14 year olds! If 14's can break bones, high school varsity and up could seriously hurt or kill someone!

Nice to see that the state assoc. is stepping up to the plate with max penalties. Also that the catcher is paying a price for his actions even though he's graduated already. Don't know if I agree if the PU decides to sue unless he was injured, might come under the category of frivolous/unnecessary lawsuit unless it's to pay for medical bills.

Definitely think that partners should have been aware of situation and stepped in to let PU know what had happened and give him more time/support/encouragement to dump players. Another case of "we all gotta stick together." Especially doing state playoffs, they should be experienced umps and know how to handle a situation like this better. Also think that young umps need a little bit more education on how to handle situations like this before they see them live and have to make that decision in real time.

Just my 2 (or 20) cents worth!