a pitch that hits the ground then is hit by the batter

Question
Hi,
we use Babe Ruth Softball rules and regulations for our local 10U softball organization.  This happened in a scrimmage.  A pitcher pitched a ball that hit the ground and the batter subsequently hit it and got a single.  I said it is a fair and live ball the other coaches disagree.  Is there any rule that specifically covers this.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Jeff,

Rather than rejecting this question and it's doesn't go in the library and no one else could help out and as I'm NOT and don't claim to be an expert on BR I'm putting my best answer out there to try to help this guy at 10U w/ his DD.....ANY EXPERIENCED BABE RUTH umpires out there feel free to add to this or tell me I'm wrong......and I'll go out to the garden and eat dirt.

there is a couple of rules that you put together in ASA and since this rule is so fundamental I can't see it being different, but stranger things in softball rules happen.  I also did a quick check on the net and can't find anything different.  In ASA the ball remains live and the only thing it can't be is a strike unless the batter swings at it.  It the batter hits it, they hit it.  If it hits the batter, 1st base is awarded, how do the "other coaches" explain this....if it's a dead ball why award 1st base? or don't you, it's just a ball.  I know in some BR 10U you can't steal but if you can,  How about stealing, does a runner have to go back on a "dead ball, hit the ground?"  What happens if it get's by the catcher, again runners can't advance?  see where I'm going here

if the ball is live, it's live and you can hit it and everything else that goes with a live ball, and every other org I know of, it is.

Jeff, I'm sure in the next few days someone will add to this if I'm mistaken about BR, best I can do for you.

Mark