HBP

Question
I have been an umpire and a coach for the past 9 years and have never heard of this rule. Our resident umpire is calling a ball when a batter gets hit by a pitch when the pitch hits the ground first, not a HBP. He is saying that as soon as it hits the ground it is an automatic ball. I can't find this anywhere in my rule book.

Answer
Hi Mike,
sometimes I just wonder.....where they get stuff?

"I can't find this anywhere in my rule book"..because it's not in the rule book as you know.

In fp a ball that hits the ground continues to live (unless blocked) and if it strikes a batter who attempts to get out of the way, the ball is now dead and the batter is awarded 1st base.

8-1-f the batter becomes a b-r when a pitched ball not swung at, nor called a strike touches any part of the batter's person or clothing.  Effect the ball is dead and the batter is entitled to 1 base w/out liability to be put out.

7-5-a tells us a pitched ball that hits the ground before reaching home plate continues to be live.

So we have a live pitched ball, not swung at or called a strike that hits  a batter who attempts to get out of the way....dead ball, b-r is awarded 1st base...pretty simple

Mark