Is it illegal for a catcher to insult the batter's mother during an at bat?

Question

If so, what's the penalty?

Answer 1

It is rude, however I don't think there is any rule against it.

Answer 2

There is no rule against it, but it would start some barking, and it would lead to ejections...

Answer 3

Are you kidding? Well... I guess if the umpire doesn't hear.

Answer 4

well if the batter gets annoyed he could hit the catcher with the bat (see juan marichal)

Answer 5

Not illegal at all.  Sandy Alomar used to insult Roberto Alomar's mother all the time when they played against each other.  I think Yadier Molina does it now when Bengie Molina is batting.

Answer 6

If not it should be!

Answer 7

Its not specifically illegal by any rule, except that rule 9.01 (d) says:

"Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach, manager or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language, and to eject such disqualified person from the playing field. If an umpire disqualifies a player while a play is in progress, the disqualification shall not take effect until no further action is possible in that play."

In other words, it depends on whether or not the umpire has a sense of humor.

Answer 8

Juan Marichal hit John Roseboro over the head with his bat in the 60's.  Keep that in mind if you choose to insult a batter.

Answer 9

Its no illeagal and you wont get suspened, the worst that will happen is you will get ejected by the ump

Answer 10

no its no illegal

but players have class and respect for the game, and therefor wouldnt insult a players mother cause you have to lack class in order to do such a thing

you do see the catcher and batters talk quite a bit, but they are usually pretty innocent conversations

Answer 11

probably if the umpire hears the conversation..might not be smart to do so though..

Answer 12

AS far as I know...anything goes.

Although I am sure if you toss around the N word you could be asking for problems.

Answer 13

Don't know but didn't the catcher in the movie "Major League" say something like "How's my wife & kids", to one of the batter &  it's not an insult but just something I thought about after reading the question

Answer 14

not in pro ball but it is an ejectable offense in amateur (HS, Legion, Pony, etc.)

Answer 15

im not sure of the penalty, its up to the umpire if he hears

Answer 16

No catchers are allowed to say whatever they want behind the plate.  It's kind of their job to keep hitters mind off track.  I know when I was a catcher I never shut up behind the plate.  I was constantly trying to keep the hitters mind out of the game.  I can't tell you how any times I had the umpire cracking up behind the plate from comments I made to the hitters.

Answer 17

not illegal, but its in bad taste

Answer 18

in little league no u can get thrown out for unsportsman like conduct but the big leagues all is fair in love and war