Fed - On Deck Batter drops bat
 

This came up in our Rules Clinic tonight.

Runners don't matter. Outs don't matter. Ground ball hit to the outfield. Fielder throws to catcher who is up the line. Ball gets by catcher. On Deck Batter drops her bat getting out of the way of the ball. The ball hits her dropped bat. What do you call?

I'm cross posting this on another forum.

Blocked ball, dead ball. If it interfered with a play on an advancing runner, out. If it had no bearing, where no play could have been made, dead ball immediately, return all runners to last base touched.

The only offensive equipment legally on the field is the batter's bat; anything else, including on deck batter's bat, must be off the field (in the hand), or is considered discarded. Warmup bats, bat attachments; anything.

Thanks AtlUmpSteve. I just found the Rule: 8-6-15.