Throwing the Bat

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally posted by AtlUmpSteve
There is no rule in ASA that allows calling a batter out for throwing a bat, no matter how done or how often. Your choices are: 1) ignore it, 2) warn without penalty, or 3)consider an interference call (but it must actually interfere witha defender making a play, not just wizz back or hit the catcher when the ball goes to the field) or 4) eject as an unsporting act.

Steve,

You left out my favorite, stop the game. You don't eject the player nor call them out. Just tell the coach that if batter X cannot control his/her bat after the swing she just cannot play and the game will not proceed until she is replaced.

No, there is nothing in the rules directing the umpire to do that. And if the umpire gets hit with a discarded bat, folks are going to offer a little pity. However, if little Suzie Catcher gets nailed, the umpire WILL, beyond a shadow of a doubt get more heat, not only from the fans, coaches and players, but Little Suzie's parents are not going to listen, nor care to hear, that there is nothing in the rule book which provides the umpire with a solution.

To be honest, I prefer that there is no rule regarding this issue. Now, I'm sure a couple of you may ask why, some probably don't care, but I'm going to tell you why.

This is the type of rule some over-officious umpires take to the extreme. Without such a rule, I have already witnessed umpires eject players for tossing a bat to the ODB, sliding one along the ground back toward the dugout and carrying it to 1B on a HR and tossing it to the coach. When I say "toss", I am talking about in a very controlled manner.

Now, if there are umpires who are going to go to that extreme WITHOUT a rule, just think what will happen when you give them ammunition?

Umpiring does involve a little common sense, though if it were common, everyone would have it and we all know better than to believe that.