Pitched Ball hits dirt then batter: Hit by Pitch?

[thumpferee]

Originally posted by Tim C
Here is the battle that is currently (well kinda 'currently') raging:

Jim Evans agrees with you. Jim says that it is silly to think that it could not be caught for a foul tip strike out. His logic is based on the simple fact that the same pitch can be hit for a home run and how could ANYONE think it is not a caught foul tip.

ON THE TOHER HAND Rick Roder has posted that it CANNOT be caught as the ball is "not in flight". I love it when two rules experts disagree.

BTW, congrats on your games -- I am fortunate to have a big school league game this week that the loser is out of the playoff picture. Alas, hope you do well . . .

Tee

Tee and Tony,

That is a good point raised! Do either of you have an idea on the correct ruling on that situation?

I gotta say, after 3 years, I have never seen it happen! But now that I say that, it will happen tomorrow!

I would think because the ball came directly off the bat, it would be a foul tip caught third strike and an out!

What are your opinions?