Dead Ball?

P.J.

This is an Illegally batted ball. The batter is out, the ball is dead, all runners return to their bases at time of pitch.

Rules - 5.09d, 6.06a

I believe that it is not a dead ball. Like it is not a dead ball if a batted ball hits a runner before passing an infielder. I think you made the right call. Would also like to hear what others think.

Swanny:

2.00 -- An ILLEGALLY BATTED BALL is one hit by the batter with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter's box.

5.09 -- The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases without liability to be put out, when -
(d) a ball is illegally batted, either fair or foul; runners return;

6.06 -- A batter is out for illegal action when -
(a) hitting the ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter's box;

“The Right Call” Casebook -- Comment: Fair or foul, if he/she meets (a) above, call the batter will be out.

INSTRUCTOR COMMENTS: This call is NEVER the responsibility of the base umpire. The plate umpire, only, is responsible.

The ball is dead and runners return to time of pitch base, In all codes on a illegally batted ball.

Also it IS A DEAD BALL when a runner is hit by a batted ball prior to the ball passing an infielder. All Runners return to the time of pitch base in this situation also. This is an INTERFERENCE call. The fielder has priority to field or access a batted ball and the runner must not hinder him or he is guilty of interterence.

Dan B

Thanks for all the comments and references.

This is an interesting discussion to me. Not because of the subject but because of the comments. When talking "situations" our tendency is to speak without thinking. Swanny's research and comments demonstrate the First and correct response when confronted with a situation question. What does the book say...including casebook and similar references...and how does that apply in the situation being discussed? Look at how quickly and clearly Swanny answered the question...he went to the rules and they were clear. His lesson to us all...first read the rule, first know the rule, then talk about how it applies.