HBP--what are we calling

So far this year I have been successful keeping the batter at home plate after being hit by the pitch. Reason: I always look for an indication from the batter, that he made an honest attempt to get out of the way of the pitch. If in my opinion he did that, then I let him take first base. I have seen a few batters leaning forward just to get it, that's a no,no,no, and then as fate has it, they strike out. Have a great game.
Manuel

I think the shoulder turn IS enough of an attempt to avoid getting hit. The only time I've called the batter back is when he leans into one, or makes NO movement at all. Learning game by game....

Remember guys, the batters box is the batters sanctuary. They must stay in it when a throw by the catcher is being made. So if a pitch enters the batters box, they DO NOT have to avoid being hit by it. The pitcher made the mistake of throwing into the batters area. Now if ther batter is occupying the space outside the batters box,i.e.; "crowding the plate"; and they don't make an attempt to avoid being hit, then you can keep them there. And remember if they "turn into a pitch" or throw a knee or elbow at the pitch we could have a HBP and a STRIKE.

In your RULES by TOPIC book, it clearly states that a "batter shall not permit a pitched ball to touch him" (7-3-4). Remember the rules are there as a guideline and baseball is played by humans, not robots. If you learn to apply rules based on the spirit and history of the rule, you will do much better in your umpiring career.

In short, don't reward the defense for making a mistake, such as pitching a ball so far inside that it strikes a batter. If a batter is clearly inside the box and takes a pitch to his shoulder or back area, give him first base! However, if he is "crowding" the plate and gets hit on the elbow or forearm without moving to get out of the way, keep him there. The ball is dead and the pitch is called either a ball or strike.

We don't allow hitters to get hit intentionally, but be realistic in applying the HBP rule.

I agree that the ball location is a consideration when when making a HBP call.
If the batter is up on the plate he has to make an effort to not get hit.

I had an incident where a change up was thrown and the batter tracked the ball all the way in til it hit him in the knee.He made no effort to get out of the way and by his body language i could tell he had no intention of moving. He started running down to first when i had to call time and tell batter to come back.The coach came unglued and i had to explain what i saw.

THE WORST IS WHEN THEY LEAN IN TO THE PITCH, OR INTO THE STIKE ZONE ON A THIRD STIKE WITCH I HAD 2 WEEKS AGO. HE KNEW HE COULD NOT HIT SO HE THOUGHT HE WOULD GET ON THAT WAY, ONLY IF I DIDNT CARE!

Many good points made in this forum.  I had a HS team back East many,many, many  years ago, and the batters are taught then, and now, that the technique to avoid injury to hands and wrist and elbow (maybe), on the inside  pitch, over or inside the innner chalk of the box, is to roll the outside shoulder towards the front edge of the plate and bring hands  and bat handle down and back,so that a foul ball chance is minimized and the hands/wrist are blocked by the tricep or upper back . Even protects the chin and jaw, somewhat. All hitters are so coached.  Unless the pitch is in the zone, that rolling effort, feet planted,  is an attempt to avoid.  Happens all the time, as we know.