out of the batters box

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I have to admit that distinction is too subtle for me. A foul ball is also "a dead ball strike except that it cannot count as strike 3." (assuming it's not a bunt, of course).

Yeah, I started wondering how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by bniu

it is the same as a foul ball but it's not a foul ball. It's a subtlety that a veteran umpire pointed out to me because we're supposed to yell "Dead Ball" instead of "Foul Ball" b/c it's not technically a foul ball. It's a dead ball strike except that it cannot count as strike 3.

I thought we were never supposed to yell "Dead Ball," unless we were conducting a funeral for the baseball.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by bniu

IF the ball touches the batter:

Case 1: Batter is not COMPLETELY outside of his batter's box, then it is a dead ball and an automatic strike except for the fact that the automatic strike CANNOT be Strike 3.

By definition and by rule, it is not an "automatic strike." In fact, it's not a strike period. Tell your so-called veteran umpire he's full of it. Of what is he a veteran and in what world does he umpire? It's either a foul ball or fair ball/runner's out. It's not a strike, subtle differences between that and foul ball notwithstanding.

It would benefit you to understand this so you don't get confused on future similar rulings.

[SethPDX]

Originally Posted by bniu

it is the same as a foul ball but it's not a foul ball. It's a subtlety that a veteran umpire pointed out to me because we're supposed to yell "Dead Ball" instead of "Foul Ball" b/c it's not technically a foul ball. It's a dead ball strike except that it cannot count as strike 3.

Was that a veteran softball umpire? We don't use "dead ball" in baseball. If it's not a foul ball, call "Time."

[SanDiegoSteve]

...SIGNAL FOR DEAD BALL

IN CRICKET