Double swing thru the strike zone

[VanStanza]

...legal in all respects. In a game management opportunity, couldn't you get her out for "out of the box" or some other phantom reason. I hate when players "hot dog" in any respect.

[Dakota]

Was this done to taunt the opponents?

3-6-13... Unsporting acts shall not be committed, including, but not limited to:
PENTALTY: (Arts. 11 through 16) The umpire shall eject the offender from the game, unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature. If minor, the umpire may warn the offender and eject if the offense is repeated. (Arts. 11, 13) For coaches who violate, the umpire may restrict the offender to bench/dugout for the remainder of the game, or eject the offender.
a. use of words or actions to incite or try to incite spectators to demonstrate.
b. use of profanity, intimidation and/or deceitful tactics, or baiting or taunting; or
NOTE: The NFHS disapproves of any form of taunting which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule or demean others under circumstances including race, religion, gender or national origin.
c. behavior in any manner not in accordance with the spirit of fair play.

[hawk65]

It didn't appear to be a taunting act. I would characterize it more as a frivolous and playful moment by the batter and her teammates during a game that was clearly decided. Winning team going to the playoffs and having some fun, losing team playing out the season and silently acknowledging and perhaps admiring the skills of the winning team.

[BoomerSooner]

Originally Posted by hawk65

It didn't appear to be a taunting act. I would characterize it more as a frivolous and playful moment by the batter and her teammates during a game that was clearly decided. Winning team going to the playoffs and having some fun, losing team playing out the season and silently acknowledging and perhaps admiring the skills of the winning team.

In my book showing off in such a manner is a form of taunting. I've given a nice talking to to a few 1B fielders that upon making a great play on a ball down the line have stood by first base and waited for the runner to get close before stepping on the bag. To me this is a form of taunting equal to saying "you thought you could get one by me, but I'm better than you". Alot of times its the attitude that goes with it, and the context in which it happens. Your case and my example are cases where the spirit of the game is being violated. All it takes is F1 to get offended and decide she is going to put one in the middle of the next batter's back (or the current batter if she had missed) and we've got a nice little battle going on.

For the record though, you can never charge 2 strikes on one pitch.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Showboating/grandstanding maybe, taunting? Give me a break.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by hawk65

It didn't appear to be a taunting act. I would characterize it more as a frivolous and playful moment by the batter and her teammates during a game that was clearly decided. Winning team going to the playoffs and having some fun, losing team playing out the season and silently acknowledging and perhaps admiring the skills of the winning team.

OK, I was just asking... a lot would depend on the atmosphere at the game. Showing off is not necessarily taunting, but I wanted to point out that the high school rules specifically identify taunting as forbidden.

[UMP 64]

The batter should have received a strike call. A batter cannot swing more than one time at one pitch. Dead ball, Strike.

[Al]

Originally Posted by UMP 64

The batter should have received a strike call. A batter cannot swing more than one time at one pitch. Dead ball, Strike.

I agree and think an umpire should immediately give a loud and clear strike call upon the first swing to any batter who does that. And if she still swings a second time and makes contact as she did in the OP following that loud and clear strike call everyone should clearly understand why the dead ball was called on contact. .. Al

[UMP 64]

Good call AL.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by hawk65

She is intentionally swinging very early with no intent to hit the ball at this point.

NFHS Rule Book
Rule 2: Definitions
Section 56: Strike, Strikeout, Strike Zone
Art. 1... Strike. A strike is any pitch that ...is swung at by the batter and missed.

Rule 7: Batting
Section 2: Strikes, Balls And Hits
Art. 1... A strike is charged to the batter when:
b. a pitched ball is struck at and missed.

Originally Posted by Al

I ... think an umpire should immediately give a loud and clear strike call upon the first swing to any batter who does that.