I can't find this in the ASA rule book or case book, but I think a lot of umpires get this wrong. If a player throws his bat accidentally (whether it hits the catcher or just is tossed quite a number of feet) and ends up reaching first base safely, my recollection is that the umpire CANNOT call the batter-runner out unless the bat interferes with the play. My sense is that the only option to the umpire is to warn the B-R or (if severe enough or if already warned) eject the B-R, but allow a sub to replace him a 1B.
A lot of umpires call the B-R out, perhaps as a compromise b/w not doing anything and ejecting, but I think this is incorrect. Any input would be appreciated.
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Fri Aug 02, 2002, 08:53pm
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