Have to avoid?

[rbmartin]

I did see (as a spectator) a high school game tonight (12th inning score 3-3) in which a pitch was only slightly inside and the batter (leadoff hitter) dipped his elbow into the pitch and was awarded 1st base. (Mild protest by defensive coach.) Had I been behind the plate I think I would have kept him at home but as some of the people around me started asking me the rule I supported my brethren in blue.

[mbyron]

Be careful about that. I never throw the official under the bus, but I don't give out misinformation about either the rule or about what just happened.

In your situation, I might have said, "The HS rule requires that the batter not permit the pitch to hit him. I didn't see the whole play, so I don't know whether the umpire ruled correctly."

[rbmartin]

Originally Posted by mbyron

In your situation, I might have said, "The HS rule requires that the batter not permit the pitch to hit him. I didn't see the whole play, so I don't know whether the umpire ruled correctly."

That's pretty much what I did. I explained the rule (similar to the way I did earlier in this post) and stressed that it boils down to HP's judgement. I would never knowingly give them inaccurate information about the rules just to cover for another umpire. I do try to instill a little respect in the fan base of our local high school.