Fake Bunt into swing

[IHSAUmp08]

What is the FED rule for a fake bunt. Had the situation in a game yesterday where the batter held the bat in a bunt position only to pull back as the pitcher began his motion and swing at the pitch. He got an rbi single. The opposing coach said he can't do that because it draws his 3rd basemen in. When can he pull the bat back? Is it before the pitcher begins his motion or as he's deivering? Or can he not pull it back at all?

[mstaylor]

He can do whatever he wants, tell the coach to go away. There is a contingecy in LL that has tried to get it outlawed in LL and even LL says go away.

[JaxRolo]

What is the FED rule for a fake bunt. Had the situation in a game yesterday where the batter held the bat in a bunt position only to pull back as the pitcher began his motion and swing at the pitch. He got an rbi single. The opposing coach said he can't do that because it draws his 3rd basemen in. When can he pull the bat back? Is it before the pitcher begins his motion or as he's deivering? Or can he not pull it back at all?

There is no rule he can do what he wants.

[kwiggie]

He can do whatever he wants, tell the coach to go away. .

Exactly, at least fed hasn't taken this little jem of "Old school ball" out of the game yet....yet.

[mstaylor]

Shhhhhhhh, don't give them ideas.

[yawetag]

What is the FED rule for a fake bunt. Had the situation in a game yesterday where the batter held the bat in a bunt position only to pull back as the pitcher began his motion and swing at the pitch. He got an rbi single. The opposing coach said he can't do that because it draws his 3rd basemen in. When can he pull the bat back? Is it before the pitcher begins his motion or as he's deivering? Or can he not pull it back at all?

What did you tell the coach when he asked?

[Umpire in Chief]

Wow thats the first I've heard that rule myth.

[IHSAUmp08]

I told him the batter has the right to do what he wants as long as he stays in the batters box.

[yawetag]

I told him the batter has the right to do what he wants as long as he stays in the batters box.

That's right... sorta. He can still interfere with plays while in the box.

[blue32]

Some local leagues will adopt it as a local rule and some will use it as a tournament rule for an outlaw summer tourney, but it is completely legal in OBR and FED.

[mstaylor]

The rule has been discussed at length in many LL circles.