- Feb 3, 2011
- 1,880
- 48
As long as there's no laughter and celebration, you're probably ok.
I don't see it as a time for mourning either, though. If pitcher wants to give batter an extra pat on the shoulder after the game in a show of sportsmanship, that's her call. I'm not mandating this - they know that batters getting hit is part of the game - but I'm not against it either. Many of these girls are friends.
As for the entire team taking a knee on an HBP, I do disagree with that. Your teams can do it, but I would advise mine not to. Again, we're not celebrating that a player is temporarily shaken up, but unless an actual injury occurs on the field (where a player is likely to leave the game to receive medical attention), we're up. We're concerned about every player on the field and we do respect the game, but players are more likely to get hurt when they lose their focus.
Lastly, as coaches, it's important to remember that every pitcher handles this differently. Allow them that.
I don't see it as a time for mourning either, though. If pitcher wants to give batter an extra pat on the shoulder after the game in a show of sportsmanship, that's her call. I'm not mandating this - they know that batters getting hit is part of the game - but I'm not against it either. Many of these girls are friends.
As for the entire team taking a knee on an HBP, I do disagree with that. Your teams can do it, but I would advise mine not to. Again, we're not celebrating that a player is temporarily shaken up, but unless an actual injury occurs on the field (where a player is likely to leave the game to receive medical attention), we're up. We're concerned about every player on the field and we do respect the game, but players are more likely to get hurt when they lose their focus.
Lastly, as coaches, it's important to remember that every pitcher handles this differently. Allow them that.
