Expert: Rick Bundy - 4/10/2010

Question
How do you handle when a player was intentionally hit in the helmet by a pitch?

Answer
Jessica:  Thank you for your question.

To specifically answer this question, it would require more background as it relates to the event itself.

Such things as age group and level of the players and provability of intention on the part of the defense.  Also any events that happened prior to, that would help in making an assessment.

The initial level of regulation lies with the umpires.  They have the information of all things prior in that game, as well as the look and feel of the pitchers' intention.  If nothing is called, or handled in the moment, the recourse falls to protesting to league officials after the game is completed.

The National Federation High School rulebook states in Rule 6, section 2, article 3:  Intentionally pitch close to a batter.

Penalty:  The pitcher shall be ejected if the act is judged to be intentional.  In case of doubt, the umpire may first warn the pitcher.

Judgement of the umpires is the key with this, as they are in charge of regulating the game and it's flow.  In the very least, should they have any doubts, a conference with the coaches of both teams, as well as a warning should take place.

I hope that helps some.

Yours in baseball,

Rick