Some rules questions

[WhatWuzThatBlue]

These questions seem to pop up like spring flowers. If the rain would ever end, I may be able to enjoy them.

Oh well...

1) The hands are not part of the bat. If they were you would be able to buy them at your local sports supply store. The hands are connected to the batter's body and we know that if a ball strikes the person or unifrm/protective gear of the batter, he is awarded a base (provided he did not swing at the pitch or intentionally sought to be struck.

2) Brian mentioned that it depends on the league rules and that is correct. The umpire need only worry about which rules govern that game (Little League, Official Rules of Baseball, NCAA, NFHS, Babe Ruth, Dixie, etc.).
We need more information in order to give you a definitive response.

Hang in there...the rules are complex but it doesn't take long to separate fact from fiction. Good luck and let us know.