Could someone tell me the rule on carrying a bat to first base?

No. There isn't one.

You can carry it all the way around the bases, as long as you do not interfer with
a play. Just remember it's not a hockey stick......

Never read a rule about carrying the bat to the bases.
Maybe that is covered along with the "must slide" myth. LOL

You gotta carry it with you.


Hands are part of the bat! They won't let go!

I don't do USSSA, and I don't do slow pitch. But, I seem to recall that it is a USSSA slow pitch rule (or, at least, once was) that a batter runner is out if he touches 1B while still holding his bat.

Any U-trip slow pitch umps out there?

USSSA Rule 8-4-G Batter-runner touches fisrt with bat is out.

Just from memory here (will double check later)...

I believe that carrying the bat to first is illegal for NSA.

ADDED: Yep. Double checked. Rule 7-9-g. Batter is out.

[Edited by BretMan on Jun 15th, 2005 at 02:40 PM]

Does anyone know the rationale for U-trip and NSA having this rule?

My only guess would be to avoid the possibility of a bat colliding with a fielder.

Probably
 

Just guessing, but knowing most rules have been written as a reaction to something that happened that should have been contrary to the rules but wasn't:

At some point in time, someone probably went after someone with a bat

Re: Probably
 

As if that cannot happen due to such a rule? But you are probably right as the rules being reactionary.

Meanwhile, I tell the batters to take it to 1B. That's better then me taking one in the head while coming out from behind the plate.

I can only think of three reasons:

1) As suggested someone got mad and went after F3 or other player with a bat

2) A safety issue for a BR going to second and deciding to slide still holding the bat or accidentally hitting another player with the bat while running by them

3) To prevent an errant throw from hitting the bat while still in the BR hand

Mike,
I feel the same way. I'd rather them take it with them than leave the thing there in the way or, as happened in one of my games recently, fling it back and almost decapitate the catcher.

I work USSSA and ASA and that rule does differ. If you carry in USSSA to first you are out, in ASA you are not. I agree, I would rather have it out of the way.....