Game Situations: Weekend of May 3-5

 
1. The pitcher throws a pitch that bounces into the batter's box and hits the batter. Defensive Coach: "Blue, there can not be an HBP on a ball that hits the ground before hitting the batter".
 
Call
This is an HBP, unless the batter purposely moved to be struck by the pitch. A pitch touching the ground prior to hitting the batter is not a factor.


 
2. On an 0-2 count, the batter swings at a very very fast pitch that is up and in. While swinging, the pitch hits the batter on the knuckles and the batter falls to the ground writhing in pain. After the batter regains consciousness, the applause dies down, and mom leaves the field, the coach begins to escort the batter down to first base. What does the plate umpire do?
 
Call
While sympathy level is high, the batter is out because he swung with an 0-2 count. The ball is dead and any runners return to their base at the time of the pitch.


 
3. With bases loaded and all runners moving on the pitch, the batter squares to bunt, but at least a third of the batter's foot is clearly on the plate. The pitch barely ticks the bat and goes to the backstop. The runner at 3rd easily steals home and all runners advance. What is the call? Nothing, foul, or something else? Should you ever get help from your field partner on this one?
 
Call
In NFHS, the batter is out if he makes any contact with the ball (fair, foul, foul tip, etc) while his foot is in contact with the plate. The ball is dead and any runners return to their base at the time of the pitch. This is a call that the plate umpire should not be talked into getting help from the field umpire. The foul tip and the batter's foot are three feet in front of the plate umpire.