Federation Drag Bunt
 

Fed Rules. Specifically, this Fed rule:
Batter is attempting a drag bunt. Please describe what you would consider to be taking and what you could consider to be an offer.

I'd say same as article 2 - the batter would have to withdraw the bat.

Ted

What if the batter has run completely through the strike zone (so is no longer holding the bat in the zone)?

The batter is running forward... "pulled back..."?

Did the bat pass through the strike zone? Do you feel she made a legitimate offer at the pitch?

Well, hopefully the batter hasn't run completely through the strike zone or she might be guilty of a different infraction. ;)

Typically, drag bunters are in the LH batter's box and they may start from the back of the box and move up to the front/1B portion of the box. But I think the same application of the rule comes into play here - if the bat is being carried through the zone as the ball crosses the plate, it's a strike. If they don't want to offer at the pitch, the bat has to be withdrawn.

I think it's easier when you can see it. What some coaches may argue is that a drag bunt fouled off w/ 2 strikes was "really a slap". Your judgment.

Ted

Yes. No, but that is irrelevant in Fed.

The problem is this was a drag bunt attempt that last year would not have been ruled an offer. She had drug the bat fully through the strike zone before the ball arrived. She did not pull the bat back, as the rule requires, but the bat was not in the strike zone, as the rule requires. She made no specific "offer" at the ball (the pitch was high, the bat stayed low - no movement toward the ball).

Personally, I think the authors of the rule got too specific by referencing the bat in the strike zone.

Which could be a subject for another topic - Drag vs. Slap.
Among other things, I'm looking at hand placement , and wrist movement.
I've been comfortable with my decisions so far this year.....

I was comfortable with my partners decision, too (strike), but the coach griped (surprise!).

I was wondering how you guys are calling this. I look at it this way:

1) "holding the bat in the strike zone"

- "holding the bat" also applies to a drag, but does not apply when the batter is clearly NOT attempting a bunt anymore (i.e. when she is attempting to avoid being hit by a pitch)
- I don't place much stock in "strike zone" part of the rule for a drag bunt

2) withdrawn – pulled backward and away from the ball

- withdrawn means pulling the bat out from the bunting position; doesn't matter if it is back or up.