Fair Ball Rule: What Happens When a Pitch Hits the Batter?

Question
Apitched ball hit bat then hit shoulder of batter.  It was called a fair ball.  Is this correct?

Answer
Pat,

It depends on where the batter was.

1)  If the ball was fair and then it hit the batter (unintentionally) then the play continues.

2)  If the ball was foul or the batter is in the batter's box, then the ball is foul.

3)  If the ball was fair and the batter contacted it on purpose, then the batter is out.

Hope this helps!

Brian