Okay. I am a 1st year ump. Enjoying the heck out of it so far.
I understand hands are not part of the bat so I now have several questions around that.

1. Batter hit by pitch on the hands--Awarded 1st base- true

2. Batter swings at pitch-ball then hits hands-foul ball--true.

This is what i am thinking occurs in these two Sitch..

Feedback would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks

1. True as long as not swinging at pitch, nor hands in the strike zone.

2. True if batter is still in the box when hit

We had this chat about 2 weeks ago. In #2 case- Its a dead ball-strike, not a foul. It can't be a foul because it never hit the bat.

If the batter is swinging at a pitch that hits the batter's person (including the hands ;)) or uniform, it is a dead ball strike, whether it hits the bat after or not.

If the batter hits the pitch with the bat and the ball then hits the batter (including on the hands) while the batter is still in the box, it is a foul ball.

If the batter not swinging and is hit by a pitch in the strike zone it is a dead ball strike.

If the batter is not swinging and is hit by a pitch out of the strike zone it is a dead ball and a a) ball on the batter is there was no attempt to avoid, or b) an award of 1st base.
(ASA)

To simplify for the newbies...

If the ball hits the batter --- AT ALL --- it's a dead ball.

Then you do your thinking. If it's a strike (across the plate or swinging), it's a strike. If it hit the bat first, then hit the batter, it's a foul.

If it makes it easier for you, envision the ball hitting the batter's foot instead of hand when it does, in fact, hit the hand.

<i>Then you do your thinking. If it's a strike (across the plate or swinging), it's a strike. If it hit the bat first, then hit the batter, it's a foul.</i>

<b>If the batter is still in the batter's box</b> of course.

"Hands not part of the bat"

Sure. Next you'll be telling us there's no Santa Claus or Easter Bunny.

Bob

I had a DI coach argue with me that the hands were part of the bat. I told her when you go to sports authority you cant buy a bat with the hands attached. I guess i was being a smarta## but it made the point.