WHAT DOES RULE 8 SECTION 1F SAY ABOUT BEING HIT BY A PITCH
If the pitched ball hits the ground first is it a ball or is it a hit batter ???

HBP, batter gets 1B. Think about it: Are you going to give the pitcher a free shot at the batter, just as long as the pitch hits the dirt first? Of course not.

Fast pitch it is HBP, slow pitch it is a dead ball(if I remember correctly).

It is HBP. However, the rule says if the player makes no attempt to avoid getting hit, it should be a ball and the player will continue their at bat. Considering how unpredictable and fast pitches that hit the ground can be, I give the batter first base. Except, sometimes with the little kids a pitch will roll slowly along the ground and barely bump the batters foot as the batter watches. In that case, I won't give first base, but that rarely comes up.

THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER 8-1 F (ASA)


(Fast Pitch Only) When a pitched ball not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter's person or clothing. It does not matter if the ball strikes the ground before hitting the batter. The batters hands are not to be considered part of the batter. TYPO...SHOULD BE BAT NOT BATTER (sorry bout that!!)

EFFECT:
1. The ball is dead. The batter is entitled to one base without liability to be put out.
EXCEPTION: If no attempmpt is made to avoid being hit, the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four.
2. If the batter is hit anywhere on the body, including the hands, while swinging at a pitch, the ball is dead and a strike called. If it is strike three, the batter is out.

PA SOFTBALL,
That should answer your question. You may make the call now.

[Edited by JEL on Jun 3rd, 2005 at 08:45 AM]

The rhetorical question underlying is when does a pitch stop being a pitch? In fast pitch, it is still a pitch (thus the pitcher is responsible for the results) until it hits something foreign to the field (excluding the field); if it touches the bat, it becomes a batted ball, if it touches the catcher, it becomes a live ball in play, if it touches the batter, it becomes a dead ball and HBP, if it touches something outside the field, it becomes a dead ball and a one base award (to all runners).

For slow pitch, the same rule applies, excepting the base awards (if no stealing), and that the pitch also ends if it hits the plate or the ground in front of the plate.

YES this helps
 

thank you for the help !!!SORRY THIS IS FOR FAST PITCH

[Edited by PA SOFTBALL on Jun 2nd, 2005 at 04:25 PM]

"The batters hands are not to be considered part of the batter."

Ok, so, we've established previously that the hands are not a part of the bat, and now they're not part of the batter either? so are they just suspended in midair or what? J/K. I don't have an ASA rule book but I'm 99.9% sure that it should be the hands are not to be considered part of the bat. I'm sure just a typo, we all have our moments. Everyone enjoying the WCWS on ESPN?

-J

You mean the hands ARE part of the batter? This is an interesting development! Oh well, at least someone actually read my post. It has been revised, thanks -J.

JEL-

You sent in your application to announce softball for ESPN yet? you could leave the typo in in that case and you'd fit right in there! :)

-J

Only difference is; They BELIEVE the typos!

I believe the Hands are sovereign nation residing within the continental US under a treaty signed by Gen. George A. Custer.

From what I understand, they will be opening a casino on their Sweaty Palms and Five Fingers reservations within the year.

I believe back 4-5 years ago in LL softball you didn't have to try to avoid the ball. If you got hit in the batters box you got 1st base. No questions asked... Brian