League:
Determine what kind of league it is, recreational? Competitive? If you are legitimately concerned about pitcher safety and there is no rule protecting the pitcher don't play. Find a league that does. If this is a recreational league and more for fun, no reason to go up the middle. Keep in mind, by you signing up I am sure there is a liability waiver fully stating you know exactly what you are getting into, that you could get hurt. There is no one true way to protect the pitcher unless there are specific rules (nets, halo rule, etc). The problem lies is it could be a recreational league but one team or certain person on that team may consider that league their life, will approach every league game like the World Series.
Tournaments:
If the team is running a 4 man, middle is and ALWAYS will be open. Do not complain that people are hitting up the middle, this is tournament ball. As a pitcher you know very well that people hit the ball hard and if you are running a 4 man, you better expect some coming up the middle. Wear a mask, where shin guards, where whatever you need, but know if you don't have the middle covered by a 5 man infield you are going to expect a ton of balls back at you. Even with a 5 man people will hit middle, however if you are a good pitcher and can cover opposite side hole of the wheel, the hitting team is playing into your defense, that is what you want.
Determine what kind of league it is, recreational? Competitive? If you are legitimately concerned about pitcher safety and there is no rule protecting the pitcher don't play. Find a league that does. If this is a recreational league and more for fun, no reason to go up the middle. Keep in mind, by you signing up I am sure there is a liability waiver fully stating you know exactly what you are getting into, that you could get hurt. There is no one true way to protect the pitcher unless there are specific rules (nets, halo rule, etc). The problem lies is it could be a recreational league but one team or certain person on that team may consider that league their life, will approach every league game like the World Series.
Tournaments:
If the team is running a 4 man, middle is and ALWAYS will be open. Do not complain that people are hitting up the middle, this is tournament ball. As a pitcher you know very well that people hit the ball hard and if you are running a 4 man, you better expect some coming up the middle. Wear a mask, where shin guards, where whatever you need, but know if you don't have the middle covered by a 5 man infield you are going to expect a ton of balls back at you. Even with a 5 man people will hit middle, however if you are a good pitcher and can cover opposite side hole of the wheel, the hitting team is playing into your defense, that is what you want.