BATTERS HIT BY PITCH

Rule 5.05(b)(2) - The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when: He is touched by a pitched ball which he is not attempting to hit unless (A) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (B) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball

If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball if he makes no attempt to avoid being touched.

APPROVED RULING: When the batter is touched by a pitched ball which does not entitle him to first base, the ball is dead and no runner may advance.

Rule 5.05(b)(2) Comment: A batter shall not be considered touched by a pitched ball if the ball only touches any jewelry being worn by a player (e.g., necklaces, bracelets, etc.).

NOTE: The hands are NOT part of the bat!

A perfect example RULE 5.05(b)(2) -- also, the batter actively sought to get hit by the pitch, so let's not even debate whether or not he "attempted" to get out of the way of it.

Even if the pitch was not in the strike zone, that batter was not going to be awarded first base...

Wait! He would be awarded first base since it would've been ball four! A lot of things learned in this 16-second video.

SITUATION: Oh...no. The pitcher is one out away from a perfect game. The pitch hits the batter, and the umpire awards him first base, ending the perfect-game bid.

COMMENTS: Given the speed of the fastballs and the scary-good breaking balls that are coming at a batter's head only to then drop into the strike zone, MLB umpires really give batters the benefit of the doubt on "attempts" to get out of the way of a pitch. This call is always a tough one, and we challenge anyone to dream up a worse scenario than this to make this quick decision! Regardless of what you think of the umpire's decision, he sold that call.

Rule 5.09(a)(6) - A batter is out when: He attempts to hit a third strike and the ball touches him

If the umpire(s) determine the pitch hit the batter on a swinging third strike, he is out, it's an immediate dead ball, and runners do not advance.

Rule 5.05(a)(3) - If [a] pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball.” If such a pitch touches the batter, he shall be awarded first base.

A pitch bouncing to home plate is just like a normal pitch, only it cannot be a called strike (unless the batter swings at it).

TIPS FOR UMPIRES

There is no definition of "attempting to get out of the way" in the rulebook. You make the call based on your judgment.
Never award first base to a batter who has obviously moved his body, such as sticking their foot out, to get hit by a pitch. Sell the call! You know what you just saw!
The ball is immediately dead in any scenario where the batter is hit by a pitch.

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