Once in a lifetime situation

[SF]

In a game tonight I had a situation that I doubt I will ever seen again, no matter how many years I umpire, but I thought some of you might enjoy this story - also a good rules knowledge test.

I'm behind the plate, no outs, bases empty. Count is 1-2 on the batter. A pitch comes in, the batter takes a mighty swing and misses. The ball hits the catcher's glove, but she fails to catch it cleanly, and it pops up into the air. In the meantime, the momentum from the batter's swing has twisted her around, and the bat, held in her left hand (right handed batter) swings around and contacts the ball (the batter's back is to the plate, momentum has completely turned her around.) The ball then goes into fair territory.

So, for all you rules gurus, what do you call? And has anyone else ever seen anything like this?

[NCASAUmp]

In ASA SP, just strike three, batter's out.

I only call SP, but I'll take a stab at FP and Modified, so tell me if I'm wrong. Since it was a dropped third strike, the contact after the drop might be interference on the batter. I'll leave that to the FP and Modified gurus and fully accept if I'm wrong.

I have seen inexperienced players swing and catch the ball on the backswing before, but only once or twice.

[bkbjones]

Originally Posted by SF

In a game tonight I had a situation that I doubt I will ever seen again, no matter how many years I umpire, but I thought some of you might enjoy this story - also a good rules knowledge test.

I'm behind the plate, no outs, bases empty. Count is 1-2 on the batter. A pitch comes in, the batter takes a mighty swing and misses. The ball hits the catcher's glove, but she fails to catch it cleanly, and it pops up into the air. In the meantime, the momentum from the batter's swing has twisted her around, and the bat, held in her left hand (right handed batter) swings around and contacts the ball (the batter's back is to the plate, momentum has completely turned her around.) The ball then goes into fair territory.

So, for all you rules gurus, what do you call? And has anyone else ever seen anything like this?

In FP, Foul ball. 7-6-k-exception-3.

Hang around and do enough games, you will see this again...but it's always a surprise the first time it happens.

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by bkbjones

In FP, Foul ball. 7-6-k-exception-3.

Hang around and do enough games, you will see this again...but it's always a surprise the first time it happens.

John, I think you mis-read the ruling. ASA 7-6-k-exception-3 states:
The batter is out:
When the batter hits a fair ball with the bat a second time in fair territory:
Exception 3. If contact was made on the follow through, after missing the pitch on the initial swing. Effect: It is a dead ball, strike.

So in the OP, we would have a dead ball, strike, for the third strike and an out.

[mcrowder]

Dead ball strike in all codes.

Just a note --- why do you reference the dropped third strike rule at all here - the ball was never dropped (or uncaught).

[MNBlue]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

Dead ball strike in all codes.

Just a note --- why do you reference the dropped third strike rule at all here - the ball was never dropped (or uncaught).

Mike,
I'm sure you're are correct, but I couldn't find the reference in NFHS. Where did you see it?

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by MNBlue

Mike,
I'm sure you're are correct, but I couldn't find the reference in NFHS. Where did you see it?

I don't have the books here at work... but I would look in the "It is a strike when..." section.

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by SF

The ball hits the catcher's glove, but she fails to catch it cleanly, and it pops up into the air.

That's what I read and pictured. Remember: I'm a SP ump, and I was just taking a stab at it. Don't kill me.