Quote:
Originally posted by The Texan
In slowpitch softball (ASA/USSSA), is a pitch that lands on the black part of the plate a ball or strike? It always used to be called a strike, then it changed to always being called a ball. It is my understanding that technically the black is not part of the plate, therefore it should be a strike if it hits the black. Right or wrong??
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Speaking ASA
Wrong. Any safety rim attached to home base, black or otherwise, is to be considered part of that base for the purpose of the rules. If the ball hits it, it's a ball. If the ball crosses it in a batter's strike zone, it's a strike. If a runner touches it prior to being put out, s/he is safe. And, if a catcher touches it while in possession of the ball to put out a forced runner or make a proper live-ball appeal at the plate, the runner is out.