"Slinging the bat"

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by Simply The Best
Lot of umpires refuse to make this call, some refuse to make the call unless there is a play involved (e.g. throw on R1 to 2b); others only call it if the bat hits them.

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

And thank God for that. Unfortunately, some umpires, while insisting on "getting it right" at all costs, get this rule wrong. All umpires SHOULD refuse to make this call... it's wrong.

The careless slinging of the bat rule is, nonetheless, a rule. Whether or not you or any other umpire decides to apply the rule properly is their choice.

I have seen instances where catchers are put in the way of great personal harm from carelessly released bats. Especially those that wear skull caps and masks instead of helmets. Umpires too.

Typically, it is one or two hitters who have been releasing their bats after contact since peewee ball. It's time they grow up and be coached up on this dangerous practice. I will call this in a heartbeat if I see a consistent pattern of careless release and any umpire who decides to ignore this issue of safety needs to thoroughly rethink why he is out there. IMHO, of course.