Finally!

[mick]

Originally posted by kellerumps
The NCAA rulebook also addresses this

Fair or Foul ball Bat hits ball Intentionally - Batter is out.

I understand you ruled that the drop was intentional. No problem....but what is the ruling if the it was NOT intentional but the bat still hit the ball?

kellerumps,
Without intention that ball has to be live, that is our only alternative choice.

I have to see, and believe, the intention.
For example, dropping a bat 24" in front of the plate,
having the ball hit the bat, and stopping the ball "for the catcher", would not seem intentional to me.
Whereas, dropping the bat between the catcher and the 12" bunt, with bat and ball contact, may well seem intentional.

In the original case, the batter dropped the bat on the ball creating a potential hazard/distraction for the catcher. Fine! Let's make the batter go away, for ignorance if for nothing else. All runners go back.
mick