Batter throws bat

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Manny A

The catcher who moves to the side and then up on the pitch-out (assuming he's that fast) would be liable for CI (or CO in FED) because he's taking away a legitimate attempt to strike at the ball.

You are making an argument for throwing the bat at the catcher on every pitch-out.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

You are making an argument for throwing the bat at the catcher on every pitch-out.

Not really. A great actor might succeed in this once, and as I said, if the catcher only moved sideways (and not up) I'd be unlikely to believe that this was an attempt to hit the ball. But say they do it... and then later do it again - doubt as to whether this was actually an attempt to hit the ball would be vastly increased.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

You are making an argument for throwing the bat at the catcher on every pitch-out.

You're putting words in my mouth. I never ever said it was legal for the batter to throw his bat at the catcher. I said it was legal for the batter to attempt to hit any pitch, even if he has to toss his bat at the ball. There is nothing written anywhere that says a batter cannot attempt to hit pitch-outs.

Besides, if the catcher only moved sideways for the pitch-out as they normally do, it would be an easy call if the batter threw his bat and hit him--batter's interference all the way. That is probably why catchers move that way to begin with.