Too many HBP

[IHSAUmp08]

Hey guys, I did a freshmen game yesterday and ran into a (bad) pitcher that had about 4 hit batsmen in the first 2 innings. In the 3rd inning, he hit 3 consecutive batters. Not on consecutive pitches, 2 of the batters were deep into the count when they got hit. He got taken out of the game after a couple more batters reached base on him. Needless to say, it was a blowout, 15-2 in 5 innings. My question is, do we as umpires have any discression in removing a pitcher in a situation like this. I know in youth ball, some leagues say 3 hit batsmen in an inning and he's out. When is the pitcher a danger to the other team. When can we say, enough is enough, take him out coach. Just another game management situation I'm not sure of. Thanks for you help guys.

[Guest]

Hey guys, I did a freshmen game yesterday and ran into a (bad) pitcher that had about 4 hit batsmen in the first 2 innings. In the 3rd inning, he hit 3 consecutive batters. Not on consecutive pitches, 2 of the batters were deep into the count when they got hit. He got taken out of the game after a couple more batters reached base on him. Needless to say, it was a blowout, 15-2 in 5 innings. My question is, do we as umpires have any discression in removing a pitcher in a situation like this. I know in youth ball, some leagues say 3 hit batsmen in an inning and he's out. When is the pitcher a danger to the other team. When can we say, enough is enough, take him out coach. Just another game management situation I'm not sure of. Thanks for you help guys.

Unless you feel he's doing it intentionally (in which case you dump him) all you can do is pray that they have someone else they can bring it.

[IHSAUmp08]

The kid didn't have bad intentions, he just didn't have control and a lot of skill. Gave up 12-13 runs in 2+ innings. The coach didn't really have anyone else to go to. Luckuly the home team only batted 4 times and the coach called off the dogs. Could've been a 30 to 2 game.

[Stan W.]

The kid didn't have bad intentions, he just didn't have control and a lot of skill. Gave up 12-13 runs in 2+ innings. The coach didn't really have anyone else to go to. Luckuly the home team only batted 4 times and the coach called off the dogs. Could've been a 30 to 2 game.

with that being said....there is no NFHS rule that allows you to do anything....as long as its not intentional, he can hit the whole team......