Video: Umpire hit by ball. On purpose? Is it the catcher's fault? What's your opinion?

wsbradio.com ^ | 6/5/08

[yankeedame]

How would you call it?

Updated 6:00pm 6/5/08

(WSB Radio) -- The umpire who was hit during a championship baseball game in Stephens County is cautiously reacting to the incident. David Scott told Channel Two Action News, "It came as a surprise, disbelief more than anything. I'd say the video pretty much speaks for itself. Other than that, I really don't have anything to say about it. I'm currently under a doctor's care and still waiting for all the results to be evaluated."

Scott's attorney says they're waiting for that medical evaluation to determine if they will take any legal action.

Earlier this week, the Georgia High School Association levied a $1,000 fine against the Stephens County high school and put the school's athletics program on severe warning status.

Stephens County Principal David Friend called the punishment "fair" and said he was very disappointed in his players’ behavior in the championship game.

The catcher in the incident, Matt Hill, had been invited to walk on for the Gordon College baseball team. The coach of that team has since rescinded the offer.

[kabar]

Good catch [no pun intended], which means that the pitcher was in on it.

[Ditto]

My only point is that the ump takes a chance stepping onto the field.

You take a chance every time you get in a car but you don't expect people to intentionally try to hit you.

[rawhide]

What is the catcher’s signal are you talking about?

[rawhide]

Someone reported: “several Atlanta Braves reviewed this video and they all said it was intentional.”

[ThomasThomas]

Thanks I meant to add

/s

[trillabodilla]

place mark to watch the video at home

[Carlucci]

I don’t see a catcher’s signal per se, but the fact that he didn’t tuck his throwing hand behind his back is a tell that he wasn’t expecting a “real” pitch. Unless they were planning a pitch-out or some other swingless scenario, no self-preserving catcher would leave his throwing hand exposed like that, for fear of a foul tip ruining his day quick.

I say based on that, something was up. Either that or he’s just a crappy catcher all around.

[Sopater]

...put the school's athletics program on severe warning status.

What's next, double secret probation?

I think that goes on your "permanent record"... /s

[traditional1]

Look at the catcher’s signal at the very beginning of the clip; it appears that without hesitation following the sign, the pitcher throws directly at the umpire’s face, and the catcher moves away.