NCAA 8-2 Batter Becomes Base Runner

Batter Becomes Base Runner

SECTION 2. The batter becomes a base runner:

a. Instantly after the individual makes a fair hit;

b. Instantly after four balls have been called by the umpire;

c. Instantly after a dropped third strike, unless there is a runner on first and fewer than two outs;

d. When hit by a pitched ball at which the individual is not attempting to strike, the ball is immediately dead;

1) A batter may not make a movement to intentionally get hit by the pitch, regardless of the location of the pitch. He must also avoid being hit whenever possible, unless the pitch is within the batter’s box occupied by the batter. If the batter’s action is deemed intentional, then:
a) If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or if the batter moves to intentionally get hit or freezes to allow a pitch that is not within the batter’s box to hit him, the ball is dead, it shall be called a strike and the batter is not awarded first base.

b) If the ball is within the batter’s box occupied by the batter and the batter makes no movement to intentionally get hit by the pitch, the batter is awarded first base. In other words, a batter who freezes inside the batter’s box and who is hit by the pitch shall be awarded first base.

2) If the pitch is ball four, the batter shall be awarded first base and credited for being hit by the pitch (the ball is immediately dead).

e. If any defensive player interferes with the batter’s swing or prevents the individual from striking at a pitched ball; Note: If a batter, during preliminary warm-up swings, hits the catcher or the catcher’s mitt during the backswing, the umpire immediately should call time, and not interference. The pitch or swing should not be allowed since the batter’s concentration or rhythm could be affected.

1) If play continues following the interference, the offensive team may elect to ignore the interference and accept the result of play. However, if the batter reaches first base and all other runners advance at least one base, the interference is ignored.

2) Any runner attempting to steal on a catcher’s interference with the batter’s swing shall be awarded the base the runner is attempting to reach. If a runner is not attempting to steal on the catcher’s interference, the individual is not entitled to the next base, unless forced to advance because of the batter being awarded first base.

Exception—If there is catcher’s interference on a squeeze play or a steal of home, the batter is awarded first base, the run scores and all other runners advance one base on the balk created by the interference.

f. If a fair ball strikes an umpire on fair ground before the ball has touched a fielder or passed a fielder other than the pitcher, the ball becomes dead. Runners advance if forced. If a fair-hit ball strikes the umpire in foul territory, the ball remains in play;

g. If a fair ball touches a base runner in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed all infielders, other than the pitcher, the ball is dead, the runner is out and the batter-runner is awarded first base; or

h. If a fielder interferes intentionally with a batted fair ball with detached player equipment, or with a batted foul ball that might become fair, each runner is awarded three bases. The ball remains live.