Hit by Pitch - Dead Ball

Question
QUESTION: We are playing 18 @ under girls fast pitch ASA rules. If a ball is pitched and it hits the ground, and then the batter, is the ball dead? In the question posed earlier you stated if the the ball touches the batter, she is awarded 1st base. But if the ball is dead how can she be given first? This sounds like a contradiction. Thank-you, Mark

ANSWER: Hi Mark,

When we award bases the ball always "dead".  A hit batter, an overthrow, a catch and carry, etc, batters, runners are always awarded bases on a dead ball. Even on a home run or ground rule double the ball is dead. I guess I don't get your thought process.

anyways here's the rule...(Fast Pitch) When a pitched ball not swung at nor called a strike touches any part of the batter抯 person including the hands or clothing.
EFFECT: Dead ball, the batter is entitled to one first base without liability to be put out.

mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: #1)What I am asking is, if the pitched ball hits the ground and bounces into the batter is this a ball (batter does not swing) and is she awarded 1st base? Is rule 8 overriding rule 7?

#2)Is there a rule for the pitcher being relieved after hitting so many batters in an inning or the game, all unintentionally, with the ball first hitting the ground and then bouncing into the batter.


Answer
Hi mark,

it would not be a ball if it hit the hatter.

a pitched ball hitting the ground remains "live" until something happens.  If the ball is hit, it is hit.  If no swing it is a ball.  If it hits the batter is it a dead ball like any other pitch and the batter is awarded 1st base just like any other pitch.

You have to give me the complete rule # but I can tell you whatever they are they don't conflict.

#2 there is no rule w/ or w/out hitting the ground.

mark