3 Hit Batters and yer out?

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gold_Spark
I am 99.9% positive that this is only a misconception, but I cannot find the situation in my rule book or case book.

If a pitcher has hit 3 batters . . . is he to be removed from the game?

Thanks for the help.

What you refer to is a Local league Rule that some leagues adopt on their own seperate from the rule book. While this rule could apply to a given league it does not apply when any of the teams from this league plays outisde either through inter-league play or tournament play.

If you want to stretch an official rule. Here it is.

OBR 8.02 The pitcher shall not_

(d) Intentionally Pitch at the Batter. If, in the umpire's judgment, such a violation occurs, the umpire may elect either to: 1. Expel the pitcher, or the manager and the pitcher, from the game, or 2. may warn the pitcher and the manager of both teams that another such pitch will result in the immediate expulsion of that pitcher (or a replacement) and the manager. If, in the umpire's judgment, circumstances warrant, both teams may be officially "warned" prior to the game or at any time during the game. (League Presidents may take additional action under authority provided in Rule 9.05) To pitch at a batter's head is unsportsmanlike and highly dangerous. It should be_and is_condemned by everybody. Umpires should act without hesitation in enforcement of this rule.

Therfore, an umpire using his / her judgement could say after F1 hits the third batter; "skip this is your warning" and any subsequent violation will result in an ejection. As mentioned this is stretching the rule but nontheless can be applied.

Pete Booth