Expert: Dr. Mark R. Ambrose - 10/6/2009

Question
QUESTION: Situation: 14u ASA softball

Batter has two strikes
She swings at pitch and makes contact with the ball.
The ball goes directly to the catcher's chest missing the mitt but hits her chest protector and is trapped against her.
Ball does not touch the ground and is returned to the pitcher.

What is the call?

ANSWER: Hi Greg,

foul ball,

Mark

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

QUESTION: Why is it not a caught foul ball and thus the batter is out?

Answer
Hi Greg,

I had the Fed stuff handy, ASA is the same

1. If the ball moves DIRECTLY to the catcher's glove/mitt or hands, we have a foul tip, if caught (2-25-2) or a foul ball, if not caught (2-25-1d).

2. If the ball moves DIRECTLY to the catcher's equipment or person (any place other than the glove/mitt/hand) we have a dead ball and a foul (2-25-1d, 5-1-1d2).

3. If there is any perceptible arc to the flight of the ball (it is not traveling directly to the catcher) and it is caught in flight, the batter is out and the ball remains live. It doesn't matter if it hits the catcher's equipment, it doesn't matter if it's caught by the catcher or any other fielder and it doesn't matter if it stays below the height of the batter's head (recent rules change). If the ball is not caught and is touched in foul territory, it's merely a foul ball.

Mark