Show bunt then swing

[KCPhoto]

https://m.facebook.com/Firecrackers...2383415276/1014779058613608/?type=3&source=48

HS game, batter show bunt, F1 charges in and takes hard hit to face when batter swings away. Not wearing a mask.

This really bothers me. I wish masks were mandatory through high school, but that's been debated here already.

I think showing bunt should mandate a bunt or taken pitch.

60' bases are too close to allow hitting after drawing in the defense with a bunt fake, especially with today's composite bats and some players not wearing masks. In this example, a mask could have prevented the facial fractures, but don't know if it could have prevented the broken neck.

I cringe when I see a batter pull back and swing when the corners are charging in. I've never seen anything like like this, but I have seen some close calls.

What do you think? I know my opinion is radical. Is the risk smaller than I am thinking?

 

[quincy]

Younger ages I think it should be a rule, not sure about HS. Leaning towards no rule.

 

[canyonjoe]

There are other thread on this so you surely aren't alone. I have no problem making it a rec rule, but IMHO it's part of the game of cat and mouse. Otherwise as soon as someone squared the corners would be 10 feet away. I've never met a coach that wanted to actually hurt someone on the other team doing it and have not seen it happen.

For proponents of making it a rule, would you also ban slappers from swing away?

 

[canyonjoe]

FYI

http://www.discussfastpitch.com/softball-discussions/23579-time-rule-change.html

 

[Sweet Lou]

If only there was some inexpensive safety equipment the girl at first could have worn to greatly reduce the risk of this injury happening.

 

[smddad]

I'll reiterate what I said a year ago. Creep forward and charge after the ball is on the ground. Along with this, I have told my pitchers and catchers to change the pitch to something fast and up & in when a bunt is shown. I want a pop up if at all possible. If the pull back and swing at it, good luck catching up on the high heat after all that movement in the box. They have become quite effective at changing their pitches during the windup when a bunt is shown.

 

[MNDad]

I’ve always thought it was dangerous at the younger ages. Their thinking is so concrete they don’t understand to get back when the batter feigns a bunt. When girls get older they’re able to protect themselves or if it comes down to it pitchers can put a stop to it.

 

[Sweet Lou]

I’ve always thought it was dangerous at the younger ages. Their thinking is so concrete they don’t understand to get back when the batter feigns a bunt. When girls get older they’re able to protect themselves or if it comes down to it pitchers can put a stop to it.

When would that be? It seems like the girl in the original post is an older accomplished player who was not able to protect herself so at what age can they protect themselves? 14? 16? 18? 22?

 

[MNDad]

When would that be? It seems like the girl in the original post is an older accomplished player who was not able to protect herself so at what age can they protect themselves? 14? 16? 18? 22?

Depends on the player. Usually around 16U girls are better able to react to situations and don’t take everything literally. Some get it earlier, some never do.

I probably should have phrased it “they’re better able to protect themselves” because sometimes it happens too quick to retreat.

 

[darken]

Poor defense, IMO. The corners shouldn't charge until the pitch is released.

That said, I agree with local rules that forbid this at younger ages.

Hope the injured player gets well.