Bunt attempt....strike?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by just another ref

I'm a little lost. If the ball had been outside, in the other batters box, that is nowhere near the plate either, but if he stands there with the bat stuck out would that be a strike? On a swing, it has to do with whether the bat crossed the plate, as opposed to if the batter "broke his wrists" as many will argue, correct? So, part of my question was, does the bat crossing the plate on the bunt attempt have significance, (I think not) and does it have to be fully retracted, or just on the way back, (obviously not attempting to hit the ball then) or what?

It is only a strike if the umpire judges that the batter attempted to hit the ball.

If the bunter just stands there, he didn't attempt to hit the ball. He does NOT have to draw the bat back.

There is no "crossed theplate" or "broke the wrists either.