The rule is pretty clear IMO, and in a perfect shade of black and white - so I doubt the case play below will help as it is likely a comprehension issue.
Quote:
When the batter drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair
territory, and, in the umpire’s judgment, there was no intent to interfere
with the ball.
EFFECT: The ball is live.
|
From the 2008 case book:
PLAY 7.6-7
B1 hits a ball toward F1, hitting the pitcher’s plate and rebounding back toward the bat that was dropped in fair territory. The ball hits the bat and then rolls untouched into foul territory where it settles.
RULING: B1 is not out for hitting a ball a second time. After hitting the bat the ball is fair until it rolls into foul territory. If it comes to rest in foul territory before anyone touches it, it is a foul ball. (1-FAIR BALL; 7-6K)