when did baseball start the automatic pitcher ejection for beanballs? I know it’s been a rule for a while
The umpire has been able to use his judgement to eject a pitcher since MLB Rule 8.02(d)was written. I don’t know that automatic ejection is an MLB rule.
Actually, it isn’t a rule. Generally, after the first beanball happens the umpire will warn both benches, and the next time a pitcher throws at a batter (whether they hit them or not) it is an automatic ejection for the pitcher and the manager. Often, both benches will be warned.
Sounds like an unwritten rule. Sort of like don’t steal a base if you are way ahead late in the game. And don’t bunt to get on base if the pitcher has a no hitter going.
It’s implemented by the umpires, so it’s not an unwritten rule. They’re going by guidelines and directives from MLB, and the rules specifically give them this authority. Unwritten rules are enforced by players.
Link to an article about the Robin Ventura-Nolan Ryan fight story
Ketchup on a hot dog? Now there is something to fight about.
25 unwritten rules of baseball…
And some unwritten rules of umpiring…
Unwritten rules for sports officials in general…
It’s been decades since I read Jim Bouton’s Ball Four but he described a fight where he ran to a friend of his on the other team and they scripted punches while having a friendly conversation.
Ha freakin ha. I’m waiting for everyone to get tired of that “joke.”
Hehehe, yeah, that made me think of this event:
You just got hit by a ball thrown by that arm, and you want to get closer? OK, you gotta do what you gotta do. Good luck everybody!
Yeah, I never thought charging the mound was really productive, and I’d be the guy waltzing with someone.
The 3rd article was IMHO the best of those. The first one is a mix of a few “unwritten rules” and a bunch of situational “if you do this your fans will yell at you if it goes bad” stuff. Those aren’t rules.
A rule is:
- Umps and catchers may disagree, but ultimately, they’ve got each other’s back:
a. If the catcher takes a bad one and doesn’t immediately snap back, the ump will walk a new ball out to the pitcher, chat for a sec, then check on the catcher. If he’s still a little shaken but doesn’t need trainer attention, clean the plate, call for extra balls, whatever.
b. If the ump takes a bad one and doesn’t immediately snap back, time for a mound visit by the catcher. A little chit-chat, pretend you’re clarifying signs. Keep an eye on the ump, he’ll let you know when he’s caught his breath, then play ball.
That’s a rule. And catchers ignore it to their pitcher’s peril. The umps will never ignore it (at least I’ve never seen it in any organized game of baseball).