Does anyone umpire in any leagues that have a maximum on hit batsmen? I have heard "three in an inning, five in a game" tossed about as a guideline, but I have never actually seen this as a ground rule.

Dave,

I occasionally umpire a Hispanic/American league in the burbs if the Windy City and their rule is that after 3 in one inning by the same pitcher, he's gone. I've only had it happen once and by that time the offensive players were "chomping at the bit".

With the exception
 

of Small Diamond Games.

It seems concerning to me that there could possibly be a "rule".

Without a doubt this is the most "contrived" ruling that I have ever heard of . . .

And sports101, is this a racial thing?

Our MSBL has a three hit-by-pitches per pitcher per game rule. Hit three batters and you must be replaced.

There are two viable reasons for it. First, guys can get ticked when you hit too many of their batters, which can cause rising tensions. Second, these guys have to go to work Monday morning.

There are pros and cons, but so far in my experience, it's not a bad rule. Ive only had to enforce it two or three times in hundreds and hundreds of games, and the players were very understanding about it when I did.

Tim,

It's not sports it's spots, like in Dalmatian and no my intent was not racial. Hispanic, Caucasian or whatever, they're just a *****y bunch of players. They pay really well though AND they play well after most leagues are done in the fall.

Re: With the exception
 

I should have been more specific as I was referring to ground rules for LL small diamond games.

Then the answer is no, there is no rule in LL covering the number of hit batters. Some local leagues may adopt something in their local rules, but there's nothing in the green book about it.

Kyle

No where does it state that a certain amount of hits-batsmen will constitute removal or ejection.

If a league "adopts" a rule for that, then so be it. I also do MSBL and it does not imply about how many. Local leagues may govern.

Look for intent and maliciousness. Heck, I have been in games that the pitcher has hit 5 before the second inning!

Go talk to the pitcher. Find out what is the matter. Feel for an attitude. Remove if necessary.

First pitch of game, hits batter (probably not warmed up)
Same inning, ball in dirt hits batter (pitcher short armed)
Next inning, breaking ball hits batter (pitch didn't break)

Am I going to throw the kid out for that?

Good night now

Actually, in Little League, it would be a violation of the charter to devise such a local rule.