Had this happen last weekend. There was a runner on 3rd, two outs (probably doesn't affect the answer). Batter swings and misses for strike 3, ball hits her on the helmet. She is thinking dropped 3rd (or HBP) and runs to first (beats throw), runner on 3rd scores. After discussion, ump rules (I think correctly) dead ball strike three, end of inning (no run scored). Was this correct?
Strike three dead ball?
- Thread starter slagothar
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Yes
- May 23, 2018
- 93
- 18
Yes. As soon as it hits her it’s a dead ball. Here’s a situation for you: two strikes on the batter, she swings and misses, The ball hits off of the catcher’s shin pads, As the batter/runner starts out of the batters box He kicks the ball inadvertently. What is the ruling? Does it matter whether or not her foot is in fair or foul territory?
In my case, the batter is Out. It doesn’t matter whether or not the batter is in the batters box or running into fair territory. As soon as she strikes the ball she’s out by virtue of the ball being dead and by virtue of two strikes on her
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Not a dead ball, yet ... The batter is out for interfering with F2's attempt to make a play.
Yes, Immediate Dead ball, strike 3, batter out
- May 23, 2018
- 93
- 18
You're right, I should have clarified that. For those that may not know, it's an immediate dead ball if it hits the batter, whether swinging or not. In my example, the ball isn't dead until the batter/runner contacts the ball. A lot of guys get hung up over whether she's in the box or not, whether the ball is fair/foul. After she swings, any contact with the ball kills it. She's out.
- May 23, 2018
- 93
- 18
This may seem like nitpicking and maybe a semantical issue, but I would argue that it isn't interference. With two strikes and a swinging third, the batter/runner is out once the ball touches her. Sort of like a foul ball in the box - it's a dead ball no matter what. She (batter/runner) just loses the opportunity to become a runner by virtue of the ball being dead. A sillier example: The ball hits off the catcher's mask and goes to the batter's heel and then goes right back to the catcher. No interference, but a dead ball nonetheless. Fellow umps, I'd love your input on this:
Is it an interference ( you'll get a hell of an argument from a coach on this)?
Is it akin to a batter making contact with the ball in the batter's box?
Or does this qualify as a third strike swinging with contact on the batter, even though the ball past the plate?
Does the act of the ball hitting the catcher vitiate the third strike swinging and dead ball? ( I think not)
Or, does it really matter? in my mind, the ball is dead, the batter, with two strikes on her, is out.
NFHS 5.1.1.a Ball becomes dead immediately when a pitch touches a batter or the batter's clothing. NOTE (F.P.) The ball becomes dead even though the batter strikes at it.
Very first thing in the rule book that is listed as creating an immediate dead ball. No interference needed, no intent required, if a pitch touches the batter or her clothing, dead ball. In this case strike three, end of inning.
Very first thing in the rule book that is listed as creating an immediate dead ball. No interference needed, no intent required, if a pitch touches the batter or her clothing, dead ball. In this case strike three, end of inning.
