with no runners on base, the batter swings at a third strike and misses. the ball hits him on the foot and rolls near the dougout. does he still have an opportunity to run to first base or is he automatically out? i called him out and the coach thought he should of been able to run.

A pitched ball is dead if it hits him. A pitched ball that is swung at is a strike, even if it hits him. Since it is dead he can't run.

yankeesfan,

DG has given you the straight scoop on this.

Reference:

"<b>6.05
A batter is out when_ ...(f) He attempts to hit a third strike and the ball touches him; ...</b>

JM

The rationale for this rule is that:

1. You punish the pitcher for hitting the batter with a pitch UNLESS
2. The pitch is a strike (either called or swinging), AND
3. The ball is always dead when it hits the batter.

DG's ruling follows.