LL Umpire removing pitcher for hitting batters

[dysfunctional]

Minors 8-10yr olds. Last night my pitcher hit two kids in one inning... I know shocking right? Anyhow, the Umpire said if she hit one more I'd have to pull her. What rule does this fall under? I'm guessing this is a discretion call based on player safety?

Thanks for any help

[jicecone]

Unless there is a league rule, this is an umpires call based upon NOT knowing the Rules.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by jicecone

Unless there is a league rule, this is an umpires call based upon NOT knowing the Rules.

True. And a common myth, but there's a reason for the myth. At least half of the youth leagues I've worked do have this in their league rules. (It's a rather stupid rule, considering you generally have your BETTER pitcher out there... and putting in the backup often results in a higher chance of HBP's)

[jicecone]

I agree, it used to be in the LL rules when my son was playing. On the positive side I am sure the umpire is being over-cautious for safety sake, which is not so bad. On the negative side, I still see some officials making up rules at the HS level. Maybe not this one but there are some.

I was just told the other day how two runners were both on the same base and the umpire called them both out when tagged, on the base. True story.

[dysfunctional]

Thanks. We were trying to find something in the rulebook last night... cause it was new to us. It's difficult to contest a rule you can't find in the rulebook during the game. This Umpire crew made it so blatantly obvious they had it out for me last night. I had protested my previous game, based on a rule that I was supposed to follow... but isn't in our league rule book. My good pitchers were pitched out because of the blatantly biased strike zone for the other team. I had to bring in kids that aren't pitching material... of course HBP's are going to happen Einstein.

[jicecone]

dysfunctional:

Don't take this the wrong way however, your dealing with 8-10 yr Children. grab a hold of yourself and concentrate on working with them to become better ball players and HAVING FUN. By coming on a Umpires site and talking about how your getting hosed by umpires with 8-10 yr olds, truly shows how dysfunctual you may be.

Teach them to respect the umpires decisions at all times and concentrate on makig the players enjoy what they are doing and want to come back next year.

NOW, if you truly are upset about the ability of inexperienced umpires, sign up to be one and then you can start your own crusade to improve our profession.

have a good Day.

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by dysfunctional

Thanks. We were trying to find something in the rulebook last night... cause it was new to us. It's difficult to contest a rule you can't find in the rulebook during the game. This Umpire crew made it so blatantly obvious they had it out for me last night. I had protested my previous game, based on a rule that I was supposed to follow... but isn't in our league rule book. My good pitchers were pitched out because of the blatantly biased strike zone for the other team. I had to bring in kids that aren't pitching material... of course HBP's are going to happen Einstein.

You are probably getting umpires in many cases that are either not as well trained or are doing it for some money or other reasoning. I know someone (on this site) will say umpires at that level are not paid, but that is not often the case when it comes to in-house leagues. So that leaves the level of training called into question and if someone is not paid, they may be working because they could not get a better "gig."

As it was said this is youth sports, believe it or not most umpires really are not clamoring for LL games in the first place.

Peace

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by jicecone

I agree, it used to be in the LL rules when my son was playing. .

It may have been in your league's rules but it was never in the "real" LL rules.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

It may have been in your league's rules but it was never in the "real" LL rules.

Correct