Hit By Pitch

[yawetag]

Why isn't this a HBP, and what argument do coaches use to even make you question it?

[DG]

Originally Posted by yawetag

Why isn't this a HBP, and what argument do coaches use to even make you question it?

The comment I hear most often is "it hit the ground blue", as if that is an explanation. This is 2nd cousin to "it hit the plate blue", as an explanation for why a ball should be foul.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by DG

The comment I hear most often is "it hit the ground blue", as if that is an explanation.

Which is easily answered with "If your batter hits a home run on a ball that bounces, should I bring him back?"

[DG]

Originally Posted by yawetag

Which is easily answered with "If your batter hits a home run on a ball that bounces, should I bring him back?"

Better answer is "So, what's your point?", instead of bringing up a completely different situation.

[TwoBits]

If a coach insists on pursuing this argument, ask them why an MLB pitcher doesn't try to bounce one and hit a batter in the shins or ankles. If it was possible to bean a player AND keep him batting, a pro would have figured out how to do it by now.

Then try to hide your smile when they give you the deer in headlights look...

[jicecone]

OBR- "A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter.

Rule 2.00 (Ball) Comment: If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball.” If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base."

Just learn the rule and tell them to look it up if they don't believe you. There is no need to give a smart-a** answer or any other irrelavant scenario when the facts are in black and white.

[GA Umpire]

If he is not swinging, the call is "Time! Batter go to 1B." Any runners forced by the batter can advance 1 base. Those not forced stay at their TOP base.

Unless the batter swings at it, then it is "Time! Strike #. Batter stay here." If strike 3, he is out. All runners have to return their TOP base.

Is this enough of a consistent answer for you to realize what the correct call is? Those who say it is not a HBP are wrong. Ignore them in regards to umpiring forever.

[TwoBits]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Just learn the rule and tell them to look it up if they don't believe you. There is no need to give a smart-a** answer or any other irrelavant scenario when the facts are in black and white.

I've sat in the stands and have seen this happen: ball hit ground and batter, batter awarded first. Coach protests, rule book brought out, coach sees rule, but still refuses to believe it. For some coaches, black and white still isn't enough.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by DG

The comment I hear most often is "it hit the ground blue", as if that is an explanation.

And my reply always is, "Yes, I saw that too!"