Here’s a Way to Minimize the ‘Beanball’

It’s time for a rule change in Baseball.

Many times an incompetent pitcher uses the “beanball� to equalize his chances when faced with the prospect of challenging a good hitter. Instead of resorting to violence on the part of the batter as he rushes the pitcher’s mound after being struck by a pitched ball, I’m suggesting a rule change.

I believe this rule will minimize the use of an intentional “beanball� and allow the true challenge of hitter against pitcher to prevail.

My proposed rule: When a batter is struck above the chest with a pitched ball that in the umpire’s opinion was radically out of the strike zone, the batter will be awarded third base and any runners on base would be forced to score.

Third base is a small fine when considering serious injury or death to a batter. Third base is also consequential enough to keep pitchers from intentionally throwing at heads.

A batter would be crazy to stand in front of a 90-m.p.h. pitch just to be awarded third base, when in fact an umpire could rule it not a radical pitch and third base not be awarded.

CAREY HUBERT

San Juan Capistrano