Throwing a bat

[kwiggie]

What would you rule on a batter who (in your opinion) threw his bat out on an outside pitch during a suicide squeeze attempt in order to make any kind of contact with the ball? Didn't happen tonight but after the squeeze played out (during a scrimmage) the oc asked me what I would rule if his player had done such a thing... he's up to somthing. This is fed rules, and I couldn't find anything about the bat stiking the ball detached from the batter for the "1st" time. I got to believe this is some sort of interference, but I ain't finding it.

[mstaylor]

It's whatever happens. If he hits it fair then he batter be running. If it goes foul then it's foul. If he misses it then it's an attempt and a strike. Either way it is likely to end with him being on the short end of the stick.

[JamesC]

It's whatever happens. If he hits it fair then he batter be running. If it goes foul then it's foul. If he misses it then it's an attempt and a strike. Either way it is likely to end with him being on the short end of the stick.

In a squeeze attempt, as long as he makes contact, from a coach's standpoint, he will never be on the short end of the stick.

With that said, I do agree that whatever happened, you'd have to let it play out. You're probably going to have to be ready to take some heat from the opposing manager, but that's part of the job description.

Also, be if it is well outside, watch his foot/feet. Make sure he doesn't have a foot (or in FED a "knee") outside of the batter's box or touching the plate. Just something to be aware of...