HBP strike

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

Yes, I know, but having heard a recent conversation that some questioned it, I thought it might be good discussion.

Would you expect a problem explaining it to the OC?

Especially if the strike not announced before the batter is hit?


P.S. -- As part of teaching new umpires, always looking for better and easier ways to present things.

I differ in teaching this, as I do NOT say the HBP is ignored. The batter WAS hit by a pitch, and it IS a dead ball.

The difference is that there are three possible outcomes from HBP; HBP does not automatically result in an awarded base as is assumed by most.

1) HBP ruled a strike; dead ball, add strike to count, if #3, batter is out.

2) HBP ruled a ball and (depending on ruleset) batter failed to attempt to avoid, and/or ball not completely in batter's box; dead ball, add ball to count, if #4, batter awarded a walk.

3) HBP ruled a ball and (depending on ruleset) ball completely in batter's box and batter made any required effort to attempt to avoid; dead ball, batter awarded first base.

So, in my version of teaching, the HBP isn't ignored at all, it has multiple possible results.

And, to the other question, it doesn't matter what or when you announce the result, you will get feedback on anything in category #1 and #2. It's your job to explain the rule, the result, and move on.