OBR: Avoiding HBP

[Kevin Finnerty]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

The only time I'll keep the batter in the box on HBP is if he intentionally moves into the pitch. An inside fastball doesn't always give much of a chance to try to avoid getting hit. That is why NCAA adds that approved ruling, which is how I rule in all games. It's a judgment thing.

Also, he has a right to stand in there and keep his shoulder and hip in on a big bender to see if it's going to finish breaking. Sometimes when they get nicked on those, it looks like no attempt, but they have a right to hang in. Stick the arm out ever so slightly and I keep you there, but if you stay in your stance and get nicked with a big bender, go to first.