hand warmer

[Little Jimmy]

I was behind the plate last week for a high school game. It was a 6:00 start and mid 30's with wind; in other words cold. After each pitch one of the pitchers put her hand in her back pocket, which made sense to me given the conditions. I didn't even think about it or look very closely.

Last night I was watching the taped replay of the game(really small, local cable company puts on a game of the week) and as they focused in on the pitcher I noticed that she had some object, about the size of a couple of small batterys, in that pocket. During the after game interview she told the host she kept a small handwarmer in her pocket during the game to help with the cold. She wasn't bragging or anything just answering questions.

Was there a rule being broken? 6-2-2 talks about a substance applied to the ball or fingers, but that doesn't apply. 1-8-1 speaks of non-traditional equipment (maybe?). What do you think?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Little Jimmy

I was behind the plate last week for a high school game. It was a 6:00 start and mid 30's with wind; in other words cold. After each pitch one of the pitchers put her hand in her back pocket, which made sense to me given the conditions. I didn't even think about it or look very closely.

Last night I was watching the taped replay of the game(really small, local cable company puts on a game of the week) and as they focused in on the pitcher I noticed that she had some object, about the size of a couple of small batterys, in that pocket. During the after game interview she told the host she kept a small handwarmer in her pocket during the game to help with the cold. She wasn't bragging or anything just answering questions.

Was there a rule being broken? 6-2-2 talks about a substance applied to the ball or fingers, but that doesn't apply. 1-8-1 speaks of non-traditional equipment (maybe?). What do you think?

Do you know what a hand-warmer is? It is an item, not a substance. Some of the older ones actually use lighter fluid and a flame is burning inside (wow, I am getting old to remember those).

Using a hand-warmer is no more illegal than a player wearing a jacket on a cold day.

[JEL]

Can't see any way a hand warmer would be a no-no.

Had a tourney last November with temps in the 30's. Thats pretty cold for us hot blooded 'suthna's. I loaned out 3 ski caps (navy blue of course) to my fellow officials, but I was stingy with the hand warmers! I found that one inside the ski cap made a big difference in my comfort zone. I've learned now to keep a supply close.

[WestMichBlue]

Some of the older ones actually use lighter fluid and a flame is burning inside (wow, I am getting old to remember those).

Oh yeah! If you were into ice fishing or deer hunting you would have had one of those. I remember they came in flannel pouches, otherwise they would burn you if you left one in your hip pocket.

WMB

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

Some of the older ones actually use lighter fluid and a flame is burning inside (wow, I am getting old to remember those).

Oh yeah! If you were into ice fishing or deer hunting you would have had one of those. I remember they came in flannel pouches, otherwise they would burn you if you left one in your hip pocket.

WMB

The sure would burn you, but they did the job, didn't they?

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by Little Jimmy

...about a substance applied to the ball or fingers...

Einstein might have to rule the illegal substance being heat, but I think the rest of us shouldn't have a problem with it.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SC Ump

Einstein might have to rule the illegal substance being heat, but I think the rest of us shouldn't have a problem with it.

Even so, it was being applied to the fingers, not the ball.

[SRW]

Playing Devil's Advocate for a moment (i.e.: offensive coach in this situation )

...the hand warmer is not part of the legal uniform, nor proper equipment. It gives an advantage to the pitcher who has it. We (as umpires) don't allow bat warmers because they give an unfair advantage by altering the properties of the bat.

... food for thought...

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by SRW

Playing Devil's Advocate for a moment (i.e.: offensive coach in this situation )

...the hand warmer is not part of the legal uniform,

A jock strap, sports bra or batting glove is not part of the legal uniform either, but it is not questioned.

nor proper equipment.

Stated where? Do you make a player remove a mouthguard because it is not noted in the rule book as "proper equipment".

It gives an advantage to the pitcher who has it.

How do you figure? If you think allowing the pitcher to keep her hand warm is an advantage, I will expect to see no jackets, sweatshirts, sweat pants, sweaters, gloves, extra layers of socks, UnderArmor on any player in the game. Oh, an let's not forget to remove any pockets on the uniform where a player may place their fingers to protect them from the environment.

We (as umpires) don't allow bat warmers because they give an unfair advantage by altering the properties of the bat.

You are comparing a piece of equipment which when the characteristics of the bat change possibly endanger the players with a player keeping her hand warm?

... food for thought...

Hope you enjoyed the meal 'cause you ain't getting dessert

[SRW]

Sure I get dessert! Humble Pie! Thanks, Mike... that's the kind of debate/ammo I was looking for.