Ball Hits Hands on Swinging Strike

[JEL]

ASA Rule 8, section 1. THE BATTER BECOMES A BATTER-RUNNER
F. (Fast pitch only) When a pitched ball not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter's person or clothing. It does not matter if the ball strikes the ground before hitting the batter. The batters hands are not to be considered a part of the bat.
EFFECT
1.The ball is dead. The batter is entitled to one base without liability to be put out.
EXCEPTION: If no attempt is made to avoid being hit, the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four.
2.If batter is hit anywhere on the body, including the hands, while swinging at the pitch, the ball is dead and a strike is called. If it is strike three, the batter is out.

If the out had not been made, the defensive coach would have been the one to question it, if he knows the ruling.
It is difficult to see hit hands, and I'm still amazed at the number of people who think the hands are part of the bat (umpires included!)

ALSO Foul Ball (ASA definition) F.
Touches the batter or the bat in the batter's hand(s) A SECOND TIME while the batter is within the batter's box.

[Edited by JEL on Jul 7th, 2003 at 05:23 PM]