NFHS Rules Changes

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by Andy

Think about it this way.....the pitch shouldn't be in the batter's box at all. Up until now we have made the offense "do something" in order to get to first base. The batter had to try to avoid a pitch that was where it shouldn't have been in the first place. Why should the offensive player have to try to avoid the defensive players mistake?

I'm kinda ambivalent about this rule change. It's just another example of how rule changes are predicated by the opinions of the powers-that-be who feel umpires can't be relied upon when it comes to their judgment.

But I must admit, I have seen situations where a batter freezes up when a fastball comes right at her, and the umpire doesn't let her go to first base because she made no obvious attempt to avoid getting hit. This rule change would remedy that problem.