Had a game last night, 9th grade very poor level of play, and had the following situation occur: Batter swings way early on a pitch that wasn't even to the plate, the ball hit's the ground in front of the plate and then hit's the batter on her shin. I initially indicated the strike but then ruled that the pitch hit her outside the strike zone and awarded her 1rst base. I think I may have blown this call and wondered what y'all think? What would the proper ruling have been?

Yup, you missed that one. That's a dead ball, strike. Your batter tried to hit the ball, that's a strike. And the ball hit her, that's a dead ball.

Thanks Steve, as I almost immediately realized I'd blow the call. Next time I won't!!!! Constantly learning:-)

Learning By Blowing it.
 

I am finding ,as a 1st yr ump and Basketball official ,that I really learn stuff when i blow it then ask on here and other places what the real call should have been. I am glad to see that I am not the only one who blows calls then does their homework to get the correct answer. LOL

No matter what the experience or skill level, WE will still blow the occasional call - learn from that & don't make that particular mistake again.

Re: Learning By Blowing it.
 

I have been officiating high school softball for 6 yrs. now, and I'm always learning especially on these bulletin boards. I had to learn everything on my own, as here in Michigan we don't have any mentors, but I do attend any clinic I can. There is no such thing as a stupid question!!! The key is reading and re-reading the rules, ask questions, do as many games as you can, and HAVE FUN!!!!