Quote:
Originally posted by ozzy6900
In a recent discussion, a batter offered at and struck a pitched ball sending it high in front of home plate. The batter then released the bat which rolled into fair territory, rolled and then contacted the ball rolling on the ground. I believe umpire at the game called the batter out for twice striking at the ball.
The discussion, as always, led to a slew this is right no, this is right ad infinitum! I gave up because, frankly, I was getting ticked off at the attacks and the demands to find the related rule.
Well, I finally had the time, so I pulled out the 2005 BRD and looked up the situation. I will reference the rules you can look the printed rules up for yourselves. I will not reference the comments as I do not have permission to reproduce the text in its entirety
102 BATTER-RUNNER: BATTED BALL HITS: BAT TWICE IN FAIR TERRITORY
FED: If the batter deliberately hits a fair batted ball in fair or foul territory, the ball is dead and the batter is out. (5-1-1b; 8-4-1d) {See Section 101 which refers to a batted ball struck twice while the batter is still in the batters box - no relation to our situation}
NCAA: If the batter drops the bat and the ball accidentally hits the bat again in fair territory, the ball remains alive (7:11m)
OBR: Same as NCAA. (6.05h)
The major FED difference is that it is including foul territory to the rule. But the interpretations all agree that in order to call anything on the batter, the umpire must be convinced that the act was intentional. Also be advised, I could not find anything in the PBUC for this action (thats big boy ball so REAL umpires wouldnt even be having this discussion). I do not have the MLBUM.
A batter hitting a ball, then releasing (not throwing) the bat, cannot be held responsible for the action of the released bat. Now, to those who disagree, lets see your proof!
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I had looked up the same thing the other day in my BRD and read the same thing after reading the discussion on a thread.
It also makes common sense for those of us who like to apply the KISS theory to our umpiring.
If you think it through most of the rules make sense as far as interpreting them. Its the way they are written that causes many umpires to question IMO.
After 25 years plus I still find that if I keep it simple when I umpire and when I teach others it usually works very well on the diamond.
Thanks
David