Expert: Martin Hoover - 5/22/2007

Question
QUESTION: If the pitcher throws a wild pitch that for whatever reason bounces or rolls toward the plate, can the batter still hit it as long as he or she stays in the box?  Weird question, I know, but in youth baseball anything can - and often does - happen.

ANSWER: Buzz,

Yes.  Hitting the ball that has bounced would be the same as hitting it in flight.  This is covered in Rule 2.00-IN FLIGHT.  You would treat it like any other batted ball.  If it hits the batter, the ball becomes dead, and the runner is awarded first base.

I hope this has helped, should you have any other questions, please let me know.

-Martin Hoover

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Martin.  A ball that bounces to the batter is "in flight" but would be a ball, not a strike, were it to miraculously bounce through the strike zone, according to rule 2.00.  However, not to beat a dead horse here, but suppose the ball rolled toward the batter.  I can't imaging the batter would be allowed to hit it.  How does an umpire call that one?  I know this is a weird question, but it's one some of us volunteer umpires have been asking each other.  Thanks again!

Answer
Buzz,

If the batter swings and misses, it's a strike.  If the batter lets it continue to bounce/roll past him, it's a ball.  If the batter swings, and it sails over the outfield fence, it's a home run.  Read the last sentence of 2.00-IN FLIGHT:

"If the batter hits such a pitch(one that touches the ground before reaching the batter), the ensuing action shall be the same as if the ball was hit in flight."

I hope this has cleared up the confusion.  Just remember that the ball can be hit at anytime, and it must be in flight to be called a strike.

-Martin Hoover