Expert: Richard J. Eddings - 5/8/2006

Question
ASA

If the player makes absolutely zero movement, none, I don't even think she took a breath, ball strikes her on top of her back foot, at about 1 mph, I didn't give the base. This is correct, yes?

Also, which is getting truly out of hand... Ball is pitched, hits the dirt way out in front of the batter, then strikes her, but her movement to clear the ball is in response to being hit by the ball. Again, I awarded no base...

Are these correct? I have no 2006 ASA book to check on these things, can you help me out - it's rather urgent, Seems all the umpires throughout the league are giving HBP for everything, shirts, shoelaces...:-))))


Answer
Thanks for the question!

Ok.  Here we go right out of the book.

Rule 8 Section 1 "The batter becomes a Batter-Runner..." Part F

F.  (Fast Pitch only)  When a pitched ball not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter's person or clothing.  It does not matter if the ball strikes the ground before hitting the batter.  The batter's hands are not to be considered part of the bat.

EFFECT
1.  The ball is dead.  The batter is entitled to one base without liability to be put out.  
  EXCEPTION: If no attempt is made to avoid being hit, the batter will not be awarded first base unless it is ball four.
2.  If the batter is hit anywhere on the body, including the hands, while swinging at a pitch, the ball is dead and a strike called.  If it is strike three, the batter is out.

So there you have it, clear as mud.

Hope this helps everyone out!  Any more questions please ask!