"Slinging the bat"

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Mike51

NFHS Is there any rule anywhere that states if the batter slings the bat and it hits the catcher, a team warning is issued? If so, if it happens a second time what happens?

Here is the situation I witnessed last week: In the third inning a batter slung his bat and the bat hit the catcher. The plate umpire came out after the play and told the coach he was issuing a warning to his team. The coach said ok.

Later in the game, another batter (same team) slung his bat and hit the catcher. After the play, the umpire called him out and returned all runners to their bases they occupied at the time of the pitch.

I had never heard of this, so when I got an opportunity I asked the coach of the team why the batter was out. He said for "slinging the bat". I asked him was this a "local rule" of this HS association. He said "no, it's a baseball rule". I thanked him went back to my seat.

Yesterday I saw the umpire at a coach pitch game. I asked him about the play. He said he would have ejected the second batter had it been his second time. I asked him was this a special rule of the HS association. He said it was a NFHS rule.

Let me say this, at no time did I argue with the coach or umpire. I have umpired many HS games. I just have never heard or read this rule.

Can anyone tell me where this rule is located in the book?

Thanks

I'm sorry but you ask a coach for a ruling? You stated that you are a HS umpire, you better get your nose into the rulebook and learn the rules. As an umpire, you are the authority on the field, you do not ask a coach about a rule, you tell the coach the rule!

Then you saw the umpire calling a coach-pitch game? Well, that explains everything!

[Mike51]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I'm sorry but you ask a coach for a ruling? You stated that you are a HS umpire, you better get your nose into the rulebook and learn the rules. As an umpire, you are the authority on the field, you do not ask a coach about a rule, you tell the coach the rule!

Then you saw the umpire calling a coach-pitch game? Well, that explains everything!

Let me try and clear up my position.

I have umpired many HS games. I have been out of the HS loop for some time because of work constraints. I still try and keep up with rules because I love the game and plan to return to umpiring soon.
I have known this umpire and his family, they are good people, but have a penchant for coming up with rules on their own, or mis-applying a rule. This is not a bash of them, it is a fact.

I had never heard of a batter being out for "slinging the bat" so I thought perhaps it was some type of new rule this season. I would never approach an umpire as a spectator, that is why I asked the coach. He acted like it was a baseball rule.

Yes, I saw the umpire at a coach pitch game. He was coaching his son.