Let's talk HBP mechanics

[grayhawk]

Worked a few game on Saturday with an inexperienced partner and had the following happen.  I'm BU:

 

With a 3-1 count and R2, the pitch comes inside and batter moves to avoid getting hit.  No call by my partner  Ball goes to the backstop and R2 runs to third on the wild pitch/passed ball.  Batter heads to first base.

 

Defensive coach says R2, who is standing on third base, needs to go back to second.  At this moment, I ask my partner, "Jim, did the pitch hit the batter?"  He says yes and I send R2 back.  Obviously, my partner's breakdown in mechanics led to this confusion.

 

So, I thought a discussion about what your HBP mechanics are might be interesting.  Here's what I do:

 

When the pitch hits the batter, I immediately call, "Time." I do this each and every time.  I DO NOT say, "dead ball."

 

If the HBP is obvious, my "time" call is more relaxed.  Depending on the intensity of the game, I may hustle out between the batter and pitcher to make sure there are no shenanigans (yes, this is an official term).  I will then walk towards the mound and toss/give the pitcher a new ball.  If the plate needs sweeping, I will then do so, get the ball from F2 and get back behind the plate to continue play.  Part of this is a courtesy to give the batter a little extra time to walk it off.

 

If the HBP is NOT obvious (hits his shoe, brushes his uniform, etc), my "time" call is more pronounced, and I will follow it up with "Got him!" and then pat the corresponding place on my body where the batter was hit.  This shows that I am confident in my call, and "explains it, before I have to explain it."  I then perform the same routine as above (gain distance towards the mound, new ball, etc.)

 

If the batter is injured, I will make sure he knows that he can take his time.  If hit in the helmet, I will get a coach out and together, we will ensure that the batter doesn't exhibit any signs of a concussion.

 

Of course, if there is any situation that I feel requires the batter to remain at bat (swung, hit in the zone, moved into the pitch, didn't try to get out of the way, etc).  I will call "time!" and follow it up with "Stay here batter!" and await the inevitable visit from the OC.

 

So, what's your routine?

[James Walker]

Same as you... Except I bust out between the batter and pitcher every time. Only had one kid charge the mound, but I'd rather be there and not be needed than have a pi$$ed off kid charge the mound with bat in hand.

[JaxRolo]

Time! I will not jump in front of batter. My safety comes first. If they want to fight I will write the ejection reports later.

[Jimurray]

Same as you... Except I bust out between the batter and pitcher every time. Only had one kid charge the mound, but I'd rather be there and not be needed than have a pi$$ed off kid charge the mound with bat in hand.

I do this but I think there are some who say don't do it (not for Jax' reason). Something about escalating the situation. Also, I wonder if I'm better off looking at the pitcher for his reaction and the BU can look at the BR. I don't think I see MLB umpires jump out.

[Texas Manny]

I know that a lot has changed in terms of HBP situation handling, so here is what I did 20+ years ago. I know this will need to be reviewed and tweeked.

 

If a batter was hit by the pitch, under normal, non-confrontational settings, I would simply throw my arms up in the air, calling "Time!", while working my way out to the side, opposite the batter, and then again, depending on the situation of the game, either give a simple point to first base, or give a snap point to first.

 

If a batter was just grazed by the pitch, under normal, non-confrontational settings, so that it was not obvious to all around, I'd throw my arms up in the air assertively, yelling "Time!", then I'd either clap my hands twice, or controllably slap the area where the batter got hit, and say "You, first base!"

 

If a situation develops in a game, where bad blood surfaces, for whatever reason, when the one side of the offending members comes to bat, I'm on alert. It's one thing for a pitch to come close. If multiple pitches come close, and I feel it's intentional, a warning comes out. If the ball directly hits the batter, I immediately call "Time!" and swing out in front of the home plate area, talking to the batter, asking if he is "Okay?". I get his focus off the pitcher. Only if the situation is heated, where the two are jawing at one another will I follow the batter down a little bit, while telling both to "Shut up!"

 

As for ejection criteria, if I am certain that the pitcher threw at the batter, he's gone. If there is a doubt, he gets a very stern warning, and anything close means his early demise.

 

My premise is that a baseball is a weapon when improperly used. Each situation is different, but maintaining control at all times is paramount to me. I will act as the situation warrants. Regrettably, prevention in the worst case scenarios is usually post-event.

[Jocko]

TIME!! verbal and mechanic. On obvious hbp, I bounce out (not bust but I'm between F1 and BR before he's out of the box) every time. I got dinged on evals for not getting out there.

On hbp where it grazes the jersey or there's possibility of question, I indicate the part of the body/uniform touched by the ball and point with my left hand, awarding first. Many say not to point, but don't you point on other base awards?

[grayhawk]

TIME!! verbal and mechanic. On obvious hbp, I bounce out (not bust but I'm between F1 and BR before he's out of the box) every time. I got dinged on evals for not getting out there.

On hbp where it grazes the jersey or there's possibility of question, I indicate the part of the body/uniform touched by the ball and point with my left hand, awarding first. Many say not to point, but don't you point on other base awards?

 

We do, but there may be a question in a runner's mind as to where he should be going on a base award for something like a ball thrown out of play or obstruction.  The batter being awarded first base on a HBP is universally known.

 

I don't think pointing is bad, as long as you use your left hand (as you do).  I just see it as unnecessary.

[ricka56]

Many say not to point, but don't you point on other base awards?

I see inexperienced umpires point to 1B on a base on balls. I think the "don't point" mantra came from breaking the bad bb point  habit and the hbp got humped in with it.

[Birdieseeker]

I do pretty much as was described by Manny except when I swing out I have a new ball in hand and getting the pitcher's attention to receive the ball I'm about to throw to him. Same reason as Manny stated earlier, if the pitcher is looking at me with the ball he can't get in a stare down with the batter. He gets the batter's attention, I get the pitcher's. There's more than one way to diffuse a potential situation 😜

[D62 blue]

TIME !! if its obvious then step out in front between F1 and BR , i will point with my LEFT HAND down to 1st base . I will then walk towards the mound , between the players , just in case there is some trash talk or batter wants to take a few steps towards F1 for some choice words ect.... I will walk all the way to the mound/F1 and give him another gm ball , maybe say to him something to break the tension  and let everyone have a few moments to relax , including myself . then back to plate to play ball !! If BR decides to charge the mound ill just let him go , and start taking #'s ect... let the coaches handle there kids .

TIME !! if it isn't obvious SELL SELL the call , indicate where it touched him , keep the rats in the dugout . And as mentioned above take a walk to the mound between the players ect....

During an evaluation a couple years ago , this is what i was taught/recommended as a mechanic . Ive used this mechanic ever since . Never had an issue or an evaluator say anything was  wrong with this  .

 

Marc

[D62 blue]

If a HBP is swung at , then TIME !! "that's a strike " using my normal swinging strike mechanic , then "batter you stay here " pointing at him or the plate if needed . Remember SELL SELL SELL , keep them in the dugout !

If strike 3 , everything the same except "thats strike 3 , batter is out " .

 

Marc

[FlaUmp22]

I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on the point to first for a HBP would be interested to know what is taught in the pro schools

[Jocko]

@FlaUmp22 - several mlb umpires do this. Some even with their right hand

[Texas Manny]

I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on the point to first for a HBP would be interested to know what is taught in the pro schools

I checked the WUS and Jim Evans books. There is no reference in either manual. You will need to see in January.

[JaxRolo]

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

[FlaUmp22]

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

 

and if he does... well... more power to him! 

[Texas Manny]

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

God's Advocate - I'm sure that Nick only points when the award needs to be sold, the moment requires it, or the batter has a brain-fart. On a routine HBP, "Time!" is all that I would think is needed.

[FlaUmp22]

 

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

God's Advocate - I'm sure that Nick only points when the award needs to be sold, the moment requires it, or the batter has a brain-fart. On a routine HBP, "Time!" is all that I would think is needed.

 

 

?

[Texas Manny]

 

 

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

God's Advocate - I'm sure that Nick only points when the award needs to be sold, the moment requires it, or the batter has a brain-fart. On a routine HBP, "Time!" is all that I would think is needed.

 

 

?

 

I was edifying. I figured you were on that page of thought. Maybe not?

[Mr Umpire]

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

Well, one reason is b/c he may also be told to stay at the plate.  Not all HBP is awarded 1B.  Do you point when you say "Stay here" to let everyone know he is not going to 1B?  Or, just say it and leave everyone in confusion why the batter stood there?  For obvious ones where he is hit in the back, everyone knows.  But, when it grazes his shirt and you call "Time", does everyone know why you called "Time"?  Or, do you stand there for 5 seconds waiting to see what the batter does?

 

I point on non-obvious ones to let everyone know why I called "Time" and why the batter is going to 1B.  B/c I told him to.

[grayhawk]

 

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

Well, one reason is b/c he may also be told to stay at the plate.  Not all HBP is awarded 1B.  Do you point when you say "Stay here" to let everyone know he is not going to 1B?  Or, just say it and leave everyone in confusion why the batter stood there?  For obvious ones where he is hit in the back, everyone knows.  But, when it grazes his shirt and you call "Time", does everyone know why you called "Time"?  Or, do you stand there for 5 seconds waiting to see what the batter does?

 

I point on non-obvious ones to let everyone know why I called "Time" and why the batter is going to 1B.  B/c I told him to.

 

 

That's why I follow up my "Time!" call with "Got him!" while patting/pointing to the corresponding place on my body where the batter got hit.  This is important because it shows that you have absolute confidence in what you saw/heard.  Pointing to first, at this point, is unnecessary.  Not saying you shouldn't point him to first, just that I don't think there is a need.

[noumpere]

Pointing: sometimes I do and sometimes I don't it depends on how much I think people need to know.

 

Jumping out: sometimes I do and sometimes I don't it depends on how I read the situation.

 

I think always doing or not doing both of these things is wrong.

[Mr Umpire]

Well, going by this one which is obvious, even PU still points to 1B.

 

http://wapc.mlb.com/shared/video/embed/embed.html?content_id=27949855&width=400&height=224&property=mlb

 

And, in this NCAA clip where it wasn't obvious the ball hit him, you can see PU point to 1B at about 1:00 in.

 

http://www.baylorbears.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/030712aaa.html

[MidAmUmp]

Point if you need to sell it.

• Pitch barely hits him.
• Defense is arguing he didn't make an attempt.
• HBP vs. Foul Ball (hand or bat)

Get in front of the hitter if he doesn't immediately drop the bat and go to first. No need to make an issue when there isn't one. Gotta love the "Hey, look at me!" guys who chase the batter to 1st when he drops the bat, takes off his body armour, and walks to 1st without even looking at the pitcher.

 

Obviously if you KNOW a throwing situation might be coming - after a pimped HR, etc. - you should get out in front of the batter.

 

Sell calls that need to be sold, answer questions before they're asked, and your level of reaction should always be equal to the level of the action.

[Mr Umpire]

 

 

Devils Advocate- Why would you point to first? BR knows where to go. It's not like he's going to take off to 3rd base!

Well, one reason is b/c he may also be told to stay at the plate.  Not all HBP is awarded 1B.  Do you point when you say "Stay here" to let everyone know he is not going to 1B?  Or, just say it and leave everyone in confusion why the batter stood there?  For obvious ones where he is hit in the back, everyone knows.  But, when it grazes his shirt and you call "Time", does everyone know why you called "Time"?  Or, do you stand there for 5 seconds waiting to see what the batter does?

 

I point on non-obvious ones to let everyone know why I called "Time" and why the batter is going to 1B.  B/c I told him to.

 

 

That's why I follow up my "Time!" call with "Got him!" while patting/pointing to the corresponding place on my body where the batter got hit.  This is important because it shows that you have absolute confidence in what you saw/heard.  Pointing to first, at this point, is unnecessary.  Not saying you shouldn't point him to first, just that I don't think there is a need.

 

"Got him", point.  Same thing except one is verbal and one is physical.  Though, "Got him" is probably not taught.  Pointing is more likely to be.  And, I just am not pointing to where the ball hit the player.  Everyone saw where the ball was and can guess where it hit him.  I'm pretty confident when I point to 1B that I said "The ball hit the batter".