Thread: Called strike bunt Attempt

ASA QUESTION: Is a called strike in order if batter does not pull bat back from ball? Even if out of zone.

No.
Refer to ASA R/S#10.

Okay thank you. Been away from game for awhile and do not have current rule book.

Originally Posted by Whayne Pack

ASA QUESTION: Is a called strike in order if batter does not pull bat back from ball? Even if out of zone.

Only if the pitched ball passes through the strike zone....

Whether the bat is pulled back or not is irrelevant under ASA rules.

Can a bunt attempt be considered a swing?

Originally Posted by Axe

Can a bunt attempt be considered a swing?

Not sure what you mean. If the ump judges that the batter moved the bat in an attempt to bunt the ball, and misses the ball, that is a strike.

The only judgment involved is whether the batter actually made an attempt to contact the ball, or not. If not, then the pitch is a ball or strike depending on whether it passed through the zone or not. If the ump judges that there was an attempt, but the attempt failed, then it is the same as a swing and miss.

I am glad to hear this. I think ASA has it right. I hope they do not change like the others.

Whether or not the batter attempts to hit the ball when the batter squares to bunt is a judgement call by the umpire. Therefore, I would STRONGLY suggest the batter pull the bat back if the pitch is a ball. You can argue with the umpire until you are blue in the face, but since it is a judgement call, you will lose the argument, regardless of what the rule book says.....

I am of the opinion that most of the umpires understand that "squaring to bunt is a stance" holding a bat still when ball is out of zone is not an attempt to bunt and the call is to be made when ball is out of zone whether the bat is there or not as long as it is not moving. I think timing may play more of a key than we may realize. If we "square" late say as the ball is approaching the plate then I can see how there could be an argument of an attempt or judgement of such.

I do not feel pulling the bat out just to avoid a call is necessary. Especially if umpire understands mechanics and feels barrel of bat was coming back and the intent of the hitter was to bunt down first base line and in judgement calls strike. But in reality hitter was just "pulling out" to avoid a strike. L,ol so it goes on and on. Move it late to avoid a call and bat unintentionally gets in path of ball pops up and play is made for the out. Many arguments for and against I guess.

Originally Posted by Whayne Pack

I am of the opinion that most of the umpires understand that "squaring to bunt is a stance" holding a bat still when ball is out of zone is not an attempt to bunt and the call is to be made when ball is out of zone whether the bat is there or not as long as it is not moving. I think timing may play more of a key than we may realize. If we "square" late say as the ball is approaching the plate then I can see how there could be an argument of an attempt or judgement of such.

I do not feel pulling the bat out just to avoid a call is necessary. Especially if umpire understands mechanics and feels barrel of bat was coming back and the intent of the hitter was to bunt down first base line and in judgement calls strike. But in reality hitter was just "pulling out" to avoid a strike. L,ol so it goes on and on. Move it late to avoid a call and bat unintentionally gets in path of ball pops up and play is made for the out. Many arguments for and against I guess.

Is your DD really going to care how you 'feel' when she gets called out 'looking' because she held the bat over the plate on an obvious ball and the umpire rung her up? Maybe during the home plate meeting before the game you can ask the umpire how they "understand the mechanics" of a bunt.....let me know how that works for ya! It is a judgement call by the umpire, so batter beware!