4 "hit-by-pitch" fast balls in a row!

[Paul L]

There is a concept in law that committing an act in conscious disregard of danger is the equivalent of intent. It covers people who shoot into buildings just for the hell of it with no real intent to kill, but who kill occupants anyway.

Pitching a ball towards a batter at speeds capable of causing serious bodily injury, knowing that your control is so poor that you have a high likelihood of hitting and injuring the batter, is acting in conscious disregard of significant danger, and amounts, says I, to intent. Intentionally hitting a batter is unsportsmanlike conduct or malicious contact for which the penalty is ejection.

I have had this problem three or four times. It always is a 12-year-old daughter of a pushy dad/coach. She whips the ball towards the plate as fast as possible with next-to-no control, fast enough to break an arm of the frail little darling who just wants to be playing games with her friends. I say, first hit: that's softball; second hit: warn coach; third hit: eject.

I raised this question on a thread a year or two ago and was told by people whose opinions I respect that it's not up to me to be making up rules. I haven't acted on my beliefs yet, but if I don't and someone gets hurt, I'll feel bad.

[mick]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I say, first hit: that's softball; second hit: warn coach; third hit: eject.

I don't like "eject" based upon a lack of skill.
I am guessing that wild pitcher may be quite well suited for a field position and not have to watch the rest of the game through those big tears.

[Steve M]

Unless the rules of the sanctioning body say something else, a pitcher's ability or lack of ability to throw strikes is not something I have any say over. If I think the pitcher is intentionally throwing at batters, I'll take action. If she is just a lousy pitcher, I'm likely in for a long game.
If the rules of the game say there is a limit to the number of batters who can be unintentionally hit by a pitch, then you have a rule to cover it. Otherwise, ya go no valid umpiring reason to take any action.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Paul L

I raised this question on a thread a year or two ago and was told by people whose opinions I respect that it's not up to me to be making up rules. I haven't acted on my beliefs yet, but if I don't and someone gets hurt, I'll feel bad.

Then you need to do one of two things. Find an organization which shares you beliefs or stop umpiring. Any sport in which a hard object is propelled at a high velocity is going to going to include possible dangerous situations whether it is baseball, softball, lacrosse, ice hockey, field hockey, etc.
However, isn't it something that players in these sports cause no more injuries than others like soccer and basketball. Go figure.

ALL participants are aware of that when they begin playing the sport. All parents should be aware of the dangers of a sport before allowing their child to participate.