When Bill Hall was hit ...

[et bbal]

Then what is the purpose of warning the benches?"

[et bbal]

First, I have been away for quite a while, so if this was addressed elsewhere my apologies. My question has to do with the game Prince got hit by St. Louis. Why is it that after the benches were warned, Bill Hall got hit (although grazes may be a better word) and the pitcher and LaRussa were not ejected? McClung and Yost were tossed and oviously Pujols was likely targeted while I don't think anybody thinks they were throwing at Hall. But, I thought once the benches were warned that the ejections were automatic.

Edit to add the following: Did Yost drop the ball when this happened by not questioning the umpires?

[Fatter than Joey]

But, I thought once the benches were warned that the ejections were automatic.

 

There is no such rule. Basically it is all in the intent. The umpire has no obligation to remove the pitcher and/or manager if a batter is hit, unless the umpires rules that the pitch was intentionally thrown at the batter.

[RoseBowlMtg]

Also when Hall was hit the home plate ump did not see it and only ruled it a hit batter when Yost came out and the 1st base ump confirmed it.

[Paul77]

The better question is during Princes next at bat why didn't Ned say something when Prince dodged yet another high and tight fastball?