Umpire Hit By Bat

[TwoBits]

This is how I deal with a unintentionally thrown bat: If the batter is called out (thrown out at first, caught fly ball, etc., not because of the thrown bat), I pick the bat up and hand it to him. When he grabs it, I don't let go. When he turns back around to see what the bat is caught on, I calmly tell him that the bat hit me (or the catcher, or the backstop, etc.), and next time he needs to hang on to it.

[Fritz]

Originally Posted by TwoBits

This is how I deal with a unintentionally thrown bat: If the batter is called out (thrown out at first, caught fly ball, etc., not because of the thrown bat), I pick the bat up and hand it to him. When he grabs it, I don't let go. When he turns back around to see what the bat is caught on, I calmly tell him that the bat hit me (or the catcher, or the backstop, etc.), and next time he needs to hang on to it.

I agree 2B, this does work - and don't let a bat boy come and get it, make the retired batter do it. I usually hold onto it and remark "see, it isn't that hard to hold onto it is it?" and then he will let go and I then drop the bat on the ground and say "and see, you CAN drop it in place and not hurt anyone either." point gets across.

Now if the b-r is safe, then I call time, pick up the bat myself and walk it over to the dugout where I explain the sitch to the coach and suggest he might want to have the kid hold onto the bat clear until he takes the field next time (to borrow an old football fumbling trick) so the batter gets the message.

[SAump]

Originally Posted by Fritz

I agree 2B, this does work - and don't let a bat boy come and get it, make the retired batter do it. I usually hold onto it and remark "see, it isn't that hard to hold onto it is it?" and then he will let go and I then drop the bat on the ground and say "and see, you CAN drop it in place and not hurt anyone either." point gets across.

Now if the b-r is safe, then I call time, pick up the bat myself and walk it over to the dugout where I explain the sitch to the coach and suggest he might want to have the kid hold onto the bat clear until he takes the field next time (to borrow an old football fumbling trick) so the batter gets the message.

Yes, my actions I describe above were unprofessional.
I doubt the batter will ever get the real message.
"Hey Kid, I didn't mean to either."
I doubt I will do it that way again.

There has to be better 2nd half to this story.
I would not pick up the bat or make any such suggestions.
I would issue the team a warning and return to duty.