POLL~To move or Get hit by pitches~

[LEsoftballdad]

I voted for getting out of the way. Too many MLB players have had broken wrists from being hit by a pitch. Heck, I got hit catching for my daughter a week and a half ago on my big toe. The pitch was a 46 MPH change-up that missed my mitt and shin guards. My toe is most likely broken, so I can't see deliberately sticking a body part in the path of a 60+ MPH pitch coming at me.

 

[Orange Socks]

DD's former TB coach required all hitters to get an elbow Evoshield. He was friends with Tim Walton and he was using the same HPB strategy. 95% of all HBP for DD is her elbow. She has been called back twice b/c the umpired believed she leaned into the pitch. I disagree and her coach was not happy either.

 

[Work=wins]

Nice topic. I teach them how to get hit.. back to the ball. Hands covered. I don’t expect them to wear it unless it’s in a late tight game.

 

[radness]

DD's former TB coach required all hitters to get an elbow Evoshield. He was friends with Tim Walton and he was using the same HPB strategy. 95% of all HBP for DD is her elbow.

She has been called back twice b/c the umpired believed she leaned into the pitch. I disagree and her coach was not happy either.

how many times did you analyze the video? ...lol...

 

[Sweet Lou]

I'm not getting mad a player getting out of the way. By the same token, a free base is a free base, especially on an 0-2 pitch that's little inside...

 

[PJR202]

We've never suggested anyone get hit, but we made sure they understand getting on base by HBP is just as valuable as a single. Last season, with probably two games remaining, my 8th grader had one come at her leg. She stood there like a rock and watched it come in and hit her on the thigh. Was looking at her thigh as it hit. Then she screams "yeah! finally!" and proceeds to tell me at 1B that she hadn't been hit all year. All I could do was shake my head and laugh. Of my two girls, she was always the dainty one. Softball has turned her into something......different.

 

[radness]

We've never suggested anyone get hit, but we made sure they understand getting on base by HBP is just as valuable as a single.

Hmmm would say it as valuable as getting walked.
Not the same as a single that can produce extra bases, like a runner from second base to home.

 

[PJR202]

Hmmm would say it as valuable as getting walked.
Not the same as a single that can produce extra bases, like a runner from second base to home.

We're just strictly talking about getting on base. Simply getting on base was a huge accomplishment for us...haha

 

[DonnyS]

Situationally dependent...who is pitching (how fast), what is the score, who is on base, who is the batter, what is at stake in the game?

Kids tend to coach kids on this with the "wear it" chants from the dugout.

My DD lead both her HS team and travel team with HBP. I'd prefer she get out of the way, but as she says "a free base is a free base."

More interesting question is whether it is appropriate for the pitcher to retaliate and if so, when.

 

[radness]

Situationally dependent...who is pitching (how fast),

For conversation how fast would make a difference?

Is the answer also age dependent?