Hmm baseballs turning into gold. I think I need to find some games in your area!

I had the same situation where the ball hit the bat and then did a slow dribble down the third base line. I pointed the ball fair when it stopped and the batter took off for first. The F5 threw the ball into DBT and the batter was awarded 2nd.:)

No kidding. And I'm not dropping the balls on the plate, tossing them toward the dugout, or in any other way returning said gold balls at the end of the game. ;)

I don't believe it is ignored, it is just not explained one way or the other in the rules. I believe it states that the batter is out if he hits the ball while (depending on the code) standing out of the box. Therefore intent seems to be a reasonable method to resolve that which is not interpreted for us.

In the case of a foul ball, it pretty black and white. Did it hit the bat or not?
Intent means nothing here.

Point the ball fair, play on. The batter can't be called out for contacting the ball outside the box if he is trying to avoid a pitched ball.

I think by a strict reading the rule you could call the batter out. I don't think it is keeping with the philosophy of the rule though.

Vigorously point to fair territory.

Bob

I believe the spirit of the rule is that the batter is gaining an advantage by stepping outside of the box. In this case, the batter is clearly not gaining an advantage by 'hitting the ejector seat button' and bailing. Crazy play, foul/fair ball depending on where the ball lands.

-Josh

Just as where the batter on a fewer-than-2-strike count bails on a pitch 5 feet inside, yet it strikes the bat on the batter's shoulder and wala! he turned a sure ball into a strike. Stuff happens.

start running
 

Thats a live ball and have seen it happen. The defense:D usually catches on before the batter :confused: even stands up and batter gets thrown out at first.