Moving the bat

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

What is interesting is the number of people who comment when they have never moved the bat. They do not speak from experience because they have never done it. I have removed hundreds of bats safely, carefully and cautiously. I have never had a problem doing it. No ball has ever hit a moved bat. No player has ever tripped over a moved bat. I have never hit anyone with a moved bat.

I have never removed a bat and never had a problem by not doing it. I have never hit anyone by not moving it, either. I have also never seen it be a problem on any play where I didn't move it, usually because a catcher or an ondeck batter or a preceding runner has taken care of it.

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Not once have I ever had a single issue removing the bat. So why not remove it?

Not once have I ever had a single issue by leaving the bat where it is. So why remove it?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

I have never removed a bat and never had a problem by not doing it. I have never hit anyone by not moving it, either. I have also never seen it be a problem on any play where I didn't move it, usually because a catcher or an ondeck batter or a preceding runner has taken care of it.



Not once have I ever had a single issue by leaving the bat where it is. So why remove it?

The professional baseball rational is that it is a professional courtesy. No one would question if you did not remove it. MLB umpires have picked up the bat and held it while ruling on the safe or out at HP.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

I have never removed a bat and never had a problem by not doing it. I have never hit anyone by not moving it, either. I have also never seen it be a problem on any play where I didn't move it, usually because a catcher or an ondeck batter or a preceding runner has taken care of it.



Not once have I ever had a single issue by leaving the bat where it is. So why remove it?

I prefer not to have an on-deck batter run into an area that may soon become the site of a play. I can get there quicker and get rid of the bat. I prefer that trained adults take care of this rather than waiting for a 12 year old girl to do it.

Just because you have not had an issue with it doesn't mean that others haven't. This issue doesn't just fall out of the clear blue sky. It arises because situations arise.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

(snip)

Just because you have not had an issue with it doesn't mean that others haven't. This issue doesn't just fall out of the clear blue sky. It arises because situations arise.

I think that is the point...

I think earlier, someone, referring to his preference for removing the bat stated:

Not once have I ever had a single issue removing the bat. So why not remove it?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

I think that is the point...

I think earlier, someone, referring to his preference for removing the bat stated:

At least YOU were paying attention.

[EsqUmp]

Here is what we say about bat removal. I apologize ahead of time if this level of common sense offends anyone's sensibilities.

BAT REMOVAL
• After hitting a ball, a batter may drop her bat into a position near home plate that might subsequently interfere with a play at the plate. When possible, umpires may safely, carefully and cautiously remove a bat without interfering with play.
• Three criteria should be used in deciding whether to clear the bat:
• Is it necessary? If there is a possibility of a play at the plate, you must
determine....
• Is the bat available? If the bat is close enough and you can get it, you must
then determine...
• Is it possible? Is it possible to get the bat, move it and get back into proper
position for the ensuing play at the plate?
• If the answer to all three questions is "Yes," then clear the bat.
• The proper technique for clearing the bat will allow you to keep an eye on your responsibilities and move the bat safely away from the immediate area of the plate. When grapping the bat, keep your head up and watch the runner round 3rd base. There is always the possibility of a missed base, obstruction, or a coach's assist.
• Grab the bat firmly with your hand, point the handle or barrel toward foul territory and slide the bat along the ground. The bat should never leave the ground.
• Slide the bat far enough so that it cannot be in the way, including if players adjust. Sliding the bat rather than picking it up and throwing it also minimizes risk of injury to an on-deck hitter who may be coaching the approaching runner.

[RKBUmp]

Now what about the catchers helmet which is generally laying somewhere in the general vacinity also? You going to move it too?

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Now what about the catchers helmet which is generally laying somewhere in the general vacinity also? You going to move it too?

yes

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

yes

Break my catcher's mask and you can pay for it, sir.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Break my catcher's mask and you can pay for it, sir.

It broke when you dropped it, not when I moved it.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

Break my catcher's mask and you can pay for it, sir.

Give me a break. I really hope you're joking. PS: Tell your catcher she can't drop her equipment and obstruct the runner.

[charliej47]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Now what about the catchers helmet which is generally laying somewhere in the general vacinity also? You going to move it too?

There have been times when I have kicked the helmet out of the way.

[RKBUmp]

Originally Posted by charliej47

There have been times when I have kicked the helmet out of the way.

I have to, but not on purpose. Was watching a play and didn't see the helmet and kicked it.

I did not hear the story directly from the umpire it happened to so cannot verify its truth, but I was told we did have parents locally that filed a claim against an umpire for a damaged bat. The umpire tossed the bat out of the way and it hit the chain link fence. Parents said it had broken the bat and filed a claim for damages.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Here is what we say about bat removal. I apologize ahead of time if this level of common sense offends anyone's sensibilities.

BAT REMOVAL
• After hitting a ball, a batter may drop her bat into a position near home plate that might subsequently interfere with a play at the plate. When possible, umpires may safely, carefully and cautiously remove a bat without interfering with play.
• Three criteria should be used in deciding whether to clear the bat:
• Is it necessary? If there is a possibility of a play at the plate, you must
determine....
• Is the bat available? If the bat is close enough and you can get it, you must
then determine...
• Is it possible? Is it possible to get the bat, move it and get back into proper
position for the ensuing play at the plate?
• If the answer to all three questions is "Yes," then clear the bat.
• The proper technique for clearing the bat will allow you to keep an eye on your responsibilities and move the bat safely away from the immediate area of the plate. When grapping the bat, keep your head up and watch the runner round 3rd base. There is always the possibility of a missed base, obstruction, or a coach's assist.
• Grab the bat firmly with your hand, point the handle or barrel toward foul territory and slide the bat along the ground. The bat should never leave the ground.
• Slide the bat far enough so that it cannot be in the way, including if players adjust. Sliding the bat rather than picking it up and throwing it also minimizes risk of injury to an on-deck hitter who may be coaching the approaching runner.

Pretty thorough. Which organization published that?

I think it again comes down to "when in Rome".

As far as the groups and clinics I've been to, the subject either has NOT been specifically addressed our the advice was to leave it alone.

To be honest, I think it is more the concern for appearance of favoritism (which like it ir not I have seen under the silliest of circumstances), than it is the safety issue.
The bat is legally there and its being there our not being there can affect the play. If you move it, you have given one team an advantage (possibly).

That's my take.
If I find myself worrying for the people who wrote that directive, I'll consider moving the bat.