Blue: Don't toss the bat

[DSUAUmpire]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You just don't touch the equipment. If a bat is in the way, it is the ODB's responsibility to clear it, not the umpire's. If that is an issue for the team, they shouldn't drop their bat. The rules allow for them to carry it away from the plate area.

Years back, I use to be one of those who kicked it out of the way, but how do you know the bat isn't moving to another position which could be equally as dangerous or interfere with the play. A discarded bat is part of the game, a bat moved ANYWHERE is not.

Agree with Mike and the majority of everyone here, we as an association stress to our umpires to leave equipment alone. Althought I do have to admit that as a young umpire (long time ago) I did use the classic 'kick' the bat out of way technique, picked up the bat and handed it to the next batter, or even took them to the dugouts between innings, I was a very helpful little batboy.