ball in dirt
 

is the batter out if the ball hits the dirt before it hits the batter

If he swings at it and it is the 3rd strike, yes, otherwise, no, probably just a HBP.

interesting question
 

Just would like to know what criteria you would use for calling him out?

That would be interesting to say the least.

And what would you call if the ball hit the dirt and the batter then hit it into LF for a double etc., ?

Thanks
David

If that were the case,wouldn't pitchers continually throw the ball
into the dirt ? :)

Can't be a serious question. One of those UMP 99 types.

One of these guys e-mailed me privately to ask whether I thought that the hands are part of the bat. He thought that they were, and didn't get why all you snippy umpire types keep denying it.

Go figure
 

Can one see where he might be confused?
If the hands are parts of the batter
and the bat is also part of the batter,
then the hands are parts of the bat.
NO!

The hands are parts of the batter.
The bat is also part of the batter.
But, the hands are NOT parts of the bat.
Yes!

Some people can figure this out.

We better do it in ways they can understand SA -

Hands
Hands on a bat
Do you like hands on a bat
Bats have hands
Hands on a bat
There are no hands on bats
Do you like my hat?
Goodbye goodbye

(Apologies to Dr. Seuss)

sorry
 

meant to say does he get first, not out

Let me answer your question with another question.

If a pitch hits the dirt, and then is batted over the center field fence, is it a home run?

did he try to avoid the pitch? ;)

He gets first if he does not swing at the pitch and attempts to avoid getting hit. If he just stands there and watches it hit him, and you feel he could have made an effort to avoid getting hit, keep him right there in the box and call "ball."

AFTER you have called "Time" !!!

Only if it's fair.

Bob

Okay, I give up...how does a ball hit over the center field fence be anything except a fair ball?:confused: