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Expert: - 5/13/2008


Question
The batter bunts the ball into the field of play (right in front of the plate).  As he  leaves the batters box, he drops the bat in front of the the plate.  The ball hits the bat in the field of play in front of the plate.  The catchers picks up the ball and throws to first.  The batter beat the throw to first. What is the call?


Answer
Michael,

Rule 6.05 (g) states:


A batter is out when...

after hitting or bunting a fair ball, the bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runner may advance. If the batter-runner drops the bat and the ball rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is alive and in play;


Rule of thumb here is bat hits ball a second time versus ball hits bat a second time and of course, umpire’s judgment on intent to interfere.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please feel free to ask!

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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