Expert: Andrew Mullins - 6/17/2010

Question
My son is playing Legion ball this summer. Within the past week or so, he's developed a habit of throwing the bat when he hits and takes off for first base. He's not aware of the new habit, although umps are now warning him.  The only thing that's changed during this period is that he started conditioning/weight training for football 2 mornings a week. Any suggestions on how to help him break this new habit?

Answer
Yep....toss him from the game.  He will know next time.  My son started that when he was 14 for some reason.  He got two warnings in two games.  Forget the umpires, I told him if he did it again, I would bench him for two games.

The next week, he did, & I removed him from that game & susspended him for the next two.  He was our #1 pitcher.  He never threw another bat in his life even through college.

As an umpire, I warn ONCE in the approriate leagues, then toss. No question when  it comes to safety.

Thanks, Andy