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Originally Posted by Hoosier_Dave
1. Batter squares to bunt. Pitch is low and really inside and hits batter. Batter tries to avoid getting hit and in the process doesn't pull the bunt back. I called a strike because the play takes precedence. Coach agreed with call. What is the status of ball? I called dead ball which would be the case if batted ball hits batter. Can't find the rule to support this.
2. What is your opinion about the catcher chattering (Hey, batter, batter) at the batter while pitcher is in motion? I maintain that this gives the defense an unfair advantage, so I don't allow it. The players in the field and in the dugout can yell as loudly and as much as they want, just not the catcher. Had a player question me last nite on this; said she couldn't find it in the rules. I told her I consider it catcher obstruction 8-1D. Rereading 8-1D there's nothing mentioned about verbal obstruction. However, NF has verbal obstruction.
What's your opine?
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#1 - I have a dead ball, HBP, batter take your base. Even though the bat wasn't pulled back, from what you describe I don't see any attempt by the batter to bunt the ball.
#2 - As the pitcher is in motion I think I would try to quell that, but anytime other than that I don't mind. I don't see any problem with the catcher chattering at the batter between pitches, while giving signs things like that, unless it starts to border on taunting.