Hbp

[Dakota]

Funny, I never had a problem interpreting the ASA rule nor in applying it. I realize some one or two of you are anti-ASA in the extreme, but that does not mean the ASA rule does not allow for a proper application of the rule. It is the NCAA rule that has taken leave of common sense, IMO. And, I think the way the teams are taking advantage of the rule bears this out.

[Andy]

My feeling is that people are making this way too hard.

Why should the batter have to compensate for the pitcher throwing the ball where it shouldn't be?

The intent of the rule change was just that, but adding the verbiage about "entirely in the batter's box" caused some people to nitpick this to death.

The rule should simply read: If the batter is hit by a pitch NOT IN THE STRIKE ZONE, the batter is awarded first base.

As far as the batters crowding the plate...if the pitched ball doesn't hit her, there is very little room left for it NOT to be a strike......

[azbigdawg]

Originally Posted by Andy

My feeling is that people are making this way too hard.

Why should the batter have to compensate for the pitcher throwing the ball where it shouldn't be?

The intent of the rule change was just that, but adding the verbiage about "entirely in the batter's box" caused some people to nitpick this to death.

The rule should simply read: If the batter is hit by a pitch NOT IN THE STRIKE ZONE, the batter is awarded first base.

As far as the batters crowding the plate...if the pitched ball doesn't hit her, there is very little room left for it NOT to be a strike......

Seems like simple genius to me....

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by Andy

My feeling is that people are making this way too hard.

Why should the batter have to compensate for the pitcher throwing the ball where it shouldn't be?

The intent of the rule change was just that, but adding the verbiage about "entirely in the batter's box" caused some people to nitpick this to death.

The rule should simply read: If the batter is hit by a pitch NOT IN THE STRIKE ZONE, the batter is awarded first base.

As far as the batters crowding the plate...if the pitched ball doesn't hit her, there is very little room left for it NOT to be a strike......

So, Andy, in your rule verbiage, if a batter puts her elbow over the plate, and the pitch hits her elbow over the plate, but the pitch is too high to be a strike, you propose that should be an awarded base? Or kicks her foot out on a low pitch over the plate? High and low pitches are also where it shouldn't be, so anything but a strike is fair game to get a base award?

Just wanting to fully understand your position.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

So, Andy, in your rule verbiage, if a batter puts her elbow over the plate, and the pitch hits her elbow over the plate, but the pitch is too high to be a strike, you propose that should be an awarded base? Or kicks her foot out on a low pitch over the plate? High and low pitches are also where it shouldn't be, so anything but a strike is fair game to get a base award?

Just wanting to fully understand your position.

I probably oversimplified somewhat...

I believe the intent of the rule change a few years back was simply to remove the requirement of the batter making an attempt to avoid the pitched ball. All other aspects of the rule should stay in place. So, no, a batter may not purposely try to be hit by the pitch.