Pitch that struck ump prompts apology, probe (coach says not intentional)

ajc.com ^ | 06/02/08 | TODD HOLCOMB

[rawhide]

Stephens County principal David Friend apologized this morning to the Georgia High School Association for an incident in the Class AAA championship baseball series Saturday in which Stephens County's catcher ducked and allowed a pitch to strike an umpire in the face mask.

"It looks bad, and most people who look at it come away with that conclusion," Friend said. "But there have been wacky things that have happened in baseball and high schools, and all I'm going to conclude is that it does need to be investigated. If we're found to be at fault, we'll effectively deal with the situation."

Friend said he had interviewed his baseball coaches today and concluded they were not to blame. Friend said he had not finished talking to the players.

But Stephens County coach Mark Gosnell said it was mixup between catcher Matt Hill and pitcher Cody Martin.

"It was a cross-up between pitcher and catcher," Gosnell said. "Matt said he had called a curveball, and Cody said it was a fastball. I talked to the two of them, [and) I was not aware of anything being done intentionally.

see video of pitch here

[Joe 6-pack]

"According to Stephens County coach Mark Gosnell, Hill and Martin denied malicious intent and said the missed ball was the result of a mix-up in signals...So, they are still sticking to the mix-up signal excuse?"

"I did not have sex with that woman."
"I smoked but didn't inhale."
"The pitcher and catcher confused their signals." They might get away with it...but not with the Gordon College coach. Good for him!

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

I fervently hope that young Mr. Hill has learned a serious lesson about actions and consequences and applies it to future conduct in his adult life.