About Ed Spindler Expertise Baseball rules and interpretations of plays and what is and should be the correct call.
Experience I have umpired at all college levels for 20 years. I have umpired high school baseball in Iowa for 24 years, working 15 state tournament finals(mostly large school classifications).
Organizations IHSBCA (Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association)
Publications none
Education/Credentials I was(now retired)a high school history teacher for 15 years. I was also the athletic director. I officiated all the major sports other than baseball as well.
Awards and Honors Umpire of the year in Iowa 1991. District umpire of the year 3 times.
Question Batter hits a weak ball a few feet down first base line. He drops his bat and jumps over the ball on his way down the line. His bat bounces, flips, and rolls into the ball knocking it foul. What is the ruling? I am not sure if the bat was dropped in fair territory of foul(??) If it matters, can you give me a ruling on both situations? Thanks
Answer Ball is in play...there was no intentional touching initiated by the batter..it's just part of the play.
Where the bat was first dropped is of no consequence.
IF the batter intentionally made the bat hit the ball(VERY hard to do)he is declared out if the ball is fair(I've never seen it happen in all my years of umpiring).
Additionally, if the bat touches the ball in foul territory and the ball then goes into fair territory it is a foul ball.
