Mens Fastball -- Softball Canada

R1, one out. Batter pops ball up to right of pitcher. F1, F2, F3 and F4 converge on ball. No one calls it. At last second, F4 attempts catch, muffs it and ball bounces back towards backstop. Catcher, out of frustration I am guessing, throws mask at the ball and HITS IT.

R1 and B/R had stopped at 2 and 1 respectively. Penalty in this case seems a little severe.


(note: post uses the ISF/Softball Canada designation for runners)

Never seen a little kid do that and work a ton of rec league.

I'm thinking some rule enforcement might cause them to "grow up" a little.

What penalty was applied? Was catcher tossed?

Why on earth would you toss the catcher?

3 Bases
 

No reason to toss the catcher...

The penalty.... Rule 8.7f

When a fielder intentionally contacts, or controls a fair batted, thrown or pitched ball with his cap, helmet, mask, protector, pocket, detatched glove or any part of his uniform that is detached from its proper place on his person.

EFFECT All runners, including the batter-runner, shall be entitled to:

1. Three base from the time of pitch if on a fair batted ball; or
2. Two bases from the time of pitch if on a thrown ball; or
3. One base from the time of the pitch, on a pitched ball

but in each situation they may advance farther at their own risk, as the ball remains alive.


BTW, I have only ever seen this once before as an umpire ... but in that case the little kid missed the ball when he threw his glove, so no penalty.

I was just wondering if anyone would toss the catcher for USC (throwing the mask at the ball). I guess it would depend on league and what you thought the intent was.

I suspect I would be laughing too hard, unless the mask endangered someone.

I can't imagine throwing the catcher out for this. He's have to throw equipment at a player to be thrown out of the game. I mean ...there's a prescribed penalty for this right there in the book. No need to go past that.

and the penalty is harsh..

no need to toss em, theyll learn their lesson

I've got R1 home and scoring a run + batter sent to 3rd.

3 bases each from time of pitch.

Harsh ???? You've got to be kidding. I have zero patience left in my life for those guys.

Simple solution, don't do men's games. It's not worth the showboating/hassles/whining/complaining/....