Ball Hit a Second Time

[ozzy6900]

In a recent discussion, a batter offered at and struck a pitched ball sending it high in front of home plate. The batter then released the bat which rolled into fair territory, rolled and then contacted the ball rolling on the ground. I believe umpire at the game called the batter out for twice striking at the ball.

The discussion, as always, led to a slew “this is right” “no, this is right” ad infinitum! I gave up because, frankly, I was getting ticked off at the attacks and the demands to find the related rule.

Well, I finally had the time, so I pulled out the 2005 BRD and looked up the situation. I will reference the rules – you can look the printed rules up for yourselves. I will not reference the comments as I do not have permission to reproduce the text in its entirety

102 BATTER-RUNNER: BATTED BALL HITS: BAT TWICE IN FAIR TERRITORY

FED: If the batter deliberately hits a fair batted ball in fair or foul territory, the ball is dead and the batter is out. (5-1-1b; 8-4-1d) {See Section 101 which refers to a batted ball struck twice while the batter is still in the batter’s box - no relation to our situation}

NCAA: If the batter drops the bat and the ball accidentally hits the bat again in fair territory, the ball remains alive (7:11m)

OBR: Same as NCAA. (6.05h)

The major FED difference is that it is including foul territory to the rule. But the interpretations all agree that in order to call anything on the batter, the umpire must be convinced that the act was intentional. Also be advised, I could not find anything in the PBUC for this action (that’s big boy ball so REAL umpires wouldn’t even be having this discussion). I do not have the MLBUM.

A batter hitting a ball, then releasing (not throwing) the bat, cannot be held responsible for the action of the released bat. Now, to those who disagree, let’s see your proof!