I might just blow a gasket

[zebra2955]

If I hear one more time "he has to get out of the way of the pitch"

Where did this come from ? Joe Morgan?

[bam]

I've been BU this year (twice!) when PU has called a ball on a batter who made no attempt to get out of the path of a pitch.

[Rich Ives]

If I hear one more time "he has to get out of the way of the pitch"

Where did this come from ? Joe Morgan?

No - the rule book.

[zebra2955]

and which rule book would that be?

[Tyennie]

Pick one. Since I do not do HS or college ball i cannot speak to the FED or NCAA rules but OBR 6.08 b-2 should probably cover the situation

Edited May 6, 2012 by Tyennie

[zebra2955]

since when do "no attempt" and"he has got to get out of the way" mean the same thing

[mjr_2013]

I've actually never heard someone say "He has to get out of the way"... That is like saying there should be no such thing as a HBP, or at least that the player shouldn't be awarded first base.

If you're saying that umpires or announcers are saying this when they nullify a HBP, I'm sure they're just talking/thinking too fast, and it is nothing to get worked up about... They mean "He has to make an attempt to get out of the way.", which is a rule 99% of baseball people know.

[zebra2955]

My sentiments exactly. Thats what drives me nuts when I hear it. I think I heard it 4-5 times this past week

[mjr_2013]

My sentiments exactly. Thats what drives me nuts when I hear it. I think I heard it 4-5 times this past week

It bugs you? I think as long as the call is sold and everyone (including the umpire himself) knows what is being called, it is no big deal.

Ball hits the batter without him moving, "Time! He has to get out of the way! No base!" while pointing at the batters box, is nothing to get annoyed by... I would tell him to slow down in his call, but not much else... I mean, we're talking about two words that are 5 letters combined (try to)! There is a lot more to get your panties in a bunch over in umpiring than that.

[Tyennie]

Yup, no sense arguing semantics. If, as an umpire, the comment (from a DC) does bother you, then a simple explanation of - " No he doesn't have to get out of the way, he has to attempt to get out of the way." should shut down the chirping.