Strike or Not!!
 

NFHS Rules

B1 batting with no outs and 3-2 count. B1 is a slap hitter who simply runs forward in the batters box holding the bat in the strike zone without moving the bat toward the ball.

Is this an attempted bunt (ie. a strike) under the newly revised 2-8-2 definition?

Isn't the bat moving forewards to the ball coused by the movement by the batter?
If yes, call the strike! If no, let me see how she can extend her arms. Must be a kind of telescopic-construction...;)

If the bat is not swinging, it is a bunt attempt.

Don't believe that was the point being asked. I think it is more of, "is it a strike because the batter did not pull the bat back (NFHS)?"

Wouldn't that action fall under 2-8-3?

It's your judgement.

It is a STRIKE!!!
 

Well, that's my point. By the way 2-8-2 is worded, holding the bat in the strike zone and not pulling the bat back makes it a strike. 2-8-3 states "A drag bunt is attempting to bunt the ball by running forward in the batter's box, carrying the bat with her." As this states "attempting to bunt the ball" and the fact that she did not pull the bat back makes this a bunt attempt and therefore a strike. The fact that she was running forward makes no difference.

Now, in the OP the bat is moving forward in the strike zone in an attempt to slap hit or drag bunt depending on the action of the bat. I have heard of several coaches complaining (now there is a shocker) that it was not a strike because she was not swinging or bunting, but simply running forward with the bat. To me, its a no-brainer that this is a strike.

I have a strike!

With the rule change, the bat needs to be pulled back to take the pitch.

She doesn't have to attempt at the ball anymore for it to be a strike, the bat just has to be there. So in the case of the OP, put a K in the book.

The play as described would be an attempt to hit the pitch. Strike!

Be careful... someone on here might accuse you of giving score keeping advice. :rolleyes:

Alex and Michael have it correct, unless "runs forward in the batters box holding the bat in the strike zone without moving the bat toward the ball" is possible. In that case, give her the athlete of the year award.
The new bunt definitions have nothing to do with a bat moving toward the ball.

This sounds to me like a drag bunt and its a strike all day.

If I were a score keeper I have a K, two bites off a hot dog, and a sip of slurpie.