Hbp

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bigjohn

Was this ump correct? The ump CYA's by saying the rule changed. Many umps wouldn't call it anything but HBP even before the language change.

If the kid makes no attempt to get out the way, he is letting it hit him. Although the verbaige changed the spirit of the rule is that you have to make an attempt to avoid being HBP.

True?

This part is incorrect and causes confusion. The rule requires umpire judgment: did the player intentionally permit the pitch to hit him?

Some pitches give a batter time to get out of the way. But sometimes a batter freezes and doesn't know which way to move. If I judge that the batter deliberately allowed the pitch to hit him -- or even moved into it -- I'll keep him in the box. Otherwise, HBP.

If a coach complains, I'll tell him: if you don't want him to get 1B, don't pitch in the batter's box.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbyron

This part is incorrect and causes confusion. The rule requires umpire judgment: did the player intentionally permit the pitch to hit him?

Some pitches give a batter time to get out of the way. But sometimes a batter freezes and doesn't know which way to move. If I judge that the batter deliberately allowed the pitch to hit him -- or even moved into it -- I'll keep him in the box. Otherwise, HBP.

If a coach complains, I'll tell him: if you don't want him to get 1B, don't pitch in the batter's box.

Exactly. The onus is on the pitcher to not hit the batter. If the batter could reasonably be expected to move to avoid being hit or deliberately moves to be hit, that's one thing, but who put the ball into the batter's box in the first place?

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

if the pitch is so slow that any player at that age should reasonably be expected to get out of it's way - i don't award.

If the batter turns into the pitch or sticks out an elbow or knee - i don't award.

In just about every other case - give them the base.

+1

Originally Posted by mbyron

this part is incorrect and causes confusion. The rule requires umpire judgment: Did the player intentionally permit the pitch to hit him?

Some pitches give a batter time to get out of the way. But sometimes a batter freezes and doesn't know which way to move. If i judge that the batter deliberately allowed the pitch to hit him -- or even moved into it -- i'll keep him in the box. Otherwise, hbp.

If a coach complains, i'll tell him: If you don't want him to get 1b, don't pitch in the batter's box.

+2

[bigjohn]

The umpire in the op said the rule changed. Like he would have kept him at the plate under the 'old' rule.