Thursday, June 23, 2011

Discussions: Hit by Pitch

A few days ago, HP Umpire Bob Davidson ejected the Brewers' Dale Svuem and Ron Roenicke for arguing a ball call under Rule 6.08(b). Though this call was ultimately ruled "incorrect," Davidson properly enforced Rule 6.08(b) for what he thought was a batter not attempting to avoid being touched by a pitched ball. Specifically, Rule 6.08(b) states:
6.08 The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when - (b) He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless (1) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (2) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball
Last night, the A's lost to the Mets on a walk off hit by pitch in the bottom of the 13th inning. UEFLer Penwhale points out this hit by pitch might not have been merited:
Should this have been called under Rule 6.08(b)(2)? I found this call to be pretty questionable...
Discussion Point: What is your opinion of the A's-Mets walk off HBP sequence? Was this call proper? We have already determined Davidson's previous call to be incorrect. Recall the Rule specifies a batter shall not be awarded first base if he "makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball." The Rules do not specify any requirement in regards to degree of attempt to avoid contact, just that a batter is not entitled to first base if he makes no attempt to avoid contact, and that his movements must be consistent with an attempt to avoid, rather than initiate, contact. Therefore, a batter who flinches away from the pitch may be interpreted as having made an attempt to avoid contact, even if his actual physical displacement is minimal. In any case, what's your call?