illegal batter contact with the ball?

Question
Mark,

Please advise on the following.  Our ASA league does not create a lined batter's box.  During tonite's game a righthanded batter was crowding the plate.  Our pitcher intentionally threw the ball well out side the plate to the right handed batter.  While it appeared the bater stepped on home plate when he made contact with the ball, the umpire ruled that he had actually stepped in front of home plate upon making contact with the ball.

Our team argued that the batter should be out based on illegal contact with the ball.  The umpire countered that since their is no lined batter box it makes it impossible for him to make that call. However, he did acknowledge that the batter made contact with the ball while his front foot was in front of home plate.

Please let me know your thoughts any any relevant ASA rule that may address this situation

Thanks

Barry

Answer
Hi Barry,

W/out lines it doesn't make it impossible but it does make it more difficult.  Our umpire manual tells us w/out lines to give any benefit of the doubt to the batter.

On contact, any part of the foot touching any part of the line is considered in the box.  So it is possible to step somewhat in front of HP and still be in the box.

Mark