Can a ball in the dirt be a strike?

[Newter]

Originally posted by nelyak
ASA FP or SP
Rule 7 Sec. 5.b A ball is called by the umpire for each legally pitched ball that:
#4 the batter swings at, after the ball hits the ground or home plate.

so according to rule this is a ball. The umpire should have never called for a pitch.

Sorry guy! Don't know what rulebook you have, but, I'm sitting here with the ASA 2003 book, and, that is NOT the way the rule reads. Rule 7.5.A is for Fast Pitch only. Rule 7.5.B (which you noted) applies to Slow Pitch only.

Rule 7 Sect 5. A ball is called by the Umpire
A. (FP Only) For each legally pitched ball which does not enter the strike zone, touches the ground before reaching home plate, or touches home plate, and the batter does NOT swing. (capitalization is mine)
Effect: The ball is in play and runners are entitled to advance with liability to be put out.

B. (SP Only) For each legally pitched ball which does not enter the strike zone, touches the ground before reaching home plate, or touches home plate, and the batter does not swing. Any pitched ball that hits the ground or plate cannot be legally swung at by the batter. If the batter swings at a pitch after the ball hits the ground or plate, it is a ball.
Effect: The ball is dead and runners may not advance. (16-inch SL): The ball remains live; however, runners cannot advance.

Take a look at Rule 7.4.C. In fast pitch softball, when a batter swings at a legally pitched ball, you have a strike. It doesn't matter if it is 10 feet over her head, or, if it hits the ground 10 feet in front of the plate, or, if it hits her, or, if it hits the plate….It's still a swinging strike.

Newter