Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 4/5/2010

Question
A pitched ball hits catcher and goes forward to the  plate.The batter hits ball on the fly into fair territory for a double.Second    question except change the catcher to umpire. What is the ruling in the MLB ?

Answer
Frank,

Interesting question.  I don't believe it is specifically covered in the rules.  Here's my interpretation:

When a ball hits a player or umpire, in most cases it is still a live ball.  The umpire exception is if the ball hits an umpire before it had a chance to reach a fielder.  Since the ball is live and since it came back into fair territory, I believe the batter can swing at it with no penalty.  There are no rules stating that they can't.

If they intentionally hit a ball in foul territory, that's a different story.  The ball is dead as soon as they hit it.  Runners may not advance.

Hope this helps!

Brian