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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.
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Speaking ASA
As others have said, it doesn't appear that the batter attempted to hit the ball, so it can only be a strike if the ball was in the strike zone when hitting the batter which you have discounted by your description.
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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.
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Still speaking ASA
No, no member of the defense can talk or yell at the opposition. However, it is not catcher's obstruction. It is, in my judgment, unsportsmanlike conduct.