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NTBA
Umpire Bulletins
Hit
by Pitch
If a
batter is hit with a pitch, a HBP (hit by pitch) and first base should only
be awarded if the batter is hit without moving into the ball. Even if the
batter was trying to get out of the way of the ball and accidentally moves
into it, a HBP should not be awarded. Instead, the umpire should judge the
pitch based on the original location of the batter.
If,
in the umpire’s judgment, a batter stays where they are and does not move
to avoid being hit, this does not count as a HBP and it is a ball.
Note 1: Also, if a
player is hit by the ball, the umpire must call “Time” immediately.
When time is called, the play is immediately dead. No bases may be
taken when a batter is hit other than the batter taking first, and any
runners that are forced will move to the next base. The ball is not
live until the umpire calls “Play” when the pitcher has the ball on the
mound.
Note
2:
It follows from note 2 that no runners may steal on an HBP as it is a dead
ball play.
Note
3:
As with any dead ball play, prior to the next pitch but after the pitcher
has the ball on the mound, the home plate umpire must put the ball in play
by pointing to the mound and calling “play”.
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