Throwing a bat

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

USA Softball application.

RS #52 speaks to ejecting a player who throws a bat in anger. Obviously, there may be different levels of anger and/or the forcefulness of the bat throw. The latter may reside in umpire’s judgment as to whether the action results in an ejection.

A question came up in a game recently where a batter popped the ball up, was angry about it, and “threw his bat” towards his team’s on deck circle. The umpire in this case called the batter out, but did not eject the player. The ball ended up not being caught costing the offense a base runner.

I’ve not been able to find rule support for calling the batter out. Would this have been grounds for protest?

Is it possible to be safe on base after being disqualified?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Is it possible to be safe on base after being disqualified?

Don't know how to start a new thread?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

Don't know how to start a new thread?

Whoosh. I think that was the sound of @Robert Goodman's post going over your head. I think he was trying to assert that a disqualified/ejected play can't be safe and thus out. Your OP does not have a disqualified player but what softball rule puts him out? In baseball any ejection is effective after all playing action.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Whoosh. I think that was the sound of @Robert Goodman's post going over your head. I think he was trying to assert that a disqualified/ejected play can't be safe and thus out. Your OP does not have a disqualified player but what softball rule puts him out? In baseball any ejection is effective after all playing action.

The OP doesn't have a disqualified or eject player mentioned. While the umpire did not eject the player, he did call the batter/runner out.

So, what softball rule puts him out?

And would this have been grounds for a protest?

Whoosh away. And Robert Goodman did not answer a question. He posted another, different question. So perhaps allow Robert Goodman to assert for himself.

[Robert Goodman]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

The OP doesn't have a disqualified or eject player mentioned. While the umpire did not eject the player, he did call the batter/runner out.

So, what softball rule puts him out?

And would this have been grounds for a protest?

Whoosh away. And Robert Goodman did not answer a question. He posted another, different question. So perhaps allow Robert Goodman to assert for himself.

Umpjim understood me.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by Robert Goodman

Umpjim understood me.

Bless your hearts.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Staying true to the OP and without introducing confusing additions, here is what some of my local guys believe.

There is no rule support for calling the batter out should he throw his bat in anger. It may be a moot point if the batter was retired.

The ball remains live until play has been completed.

It is umpire judgment as to whether to eject the player or not. Local bylaws aside, a team would need to replace the ejected player with a legal substitute. If there were no subs available, the game would be declared a forfeit.

The team whose batter was called out for throwing the bat would have a legitimate reason to protest the game.

If anyone has differing opinions, please provide appropriate citations.

This action relates to USA Softball. Other sanctions similar?