Bunt or soft slap?

[51sDad]

I'd like to know what the general consensus from umpires is on what determines the difference between a bunt and a soft slap. I have seen it called so many different ways and have heard several different interpretations from different umpires. Also, is this officially addressed in the rule book (ASA)?

[vcblue]

Yes the DEF of a Bunt is in the rule book.

What do you mean by a soft slap? Because once you use the word "slap", I am thinking a batter is swinging at the ball, and if she is swinging then it is not a bunt. However, if you are saying a soft slap is where a batter sets up towards the back of the box. Puts her bat out and runs through the box to intentional tap the ball (does not role wrist or at last moment bring the bat back and swing) then I have a bunt and not a slap at all.

A Bunt by def is a pitched ball that is intentionally tapped. This can happen with the batter standing still or moving through the box as long as in the umpires judgment is was taped. Everything else is a swing.

The bottom line is it is Umpire Judgment and if the umpire is calling it a swing when you think it is a bunt or visa verse then you better have your batter adjust.

[51sDad]

Yes the DEF of a Bunt is in the rule book.

What do you mean by a soft slap? Because once you use the word "slap", I am thinking a batter is swinging at the ball, and if she is swinging then it is not a bunt. However, if you are saying a soft slap is where a batter sets up towards the back of the box. Puts her bat out and runs through the box to intentional tap the ball (does not role wrist or at last moment bring the bat back and swing) then I have a bunt and not a slap at all.

A Bunt by def is a pitched ball that is intentionally tapped. This can happen with the batter standing still or moving through the box as long as in the umpires judgment is was taped. Everything else is a swing.

The bottom line is it is Umpire Judgment and if the umpire is calling it a swing when you think it is a bunt or visa verse then you better have your batter adjust.

When I say soft slap, it is an "intentional tap" running the box, but the wrists do break and both hands remain in the typical starting position.

The highlighted part is how my DD has been taught. She knows to make an adjustment in later at bats depending on how an umpire rules on 2 strikes. This weekend however she had two strikes, soft slapped, and the umpire ruled it as a swing. The opposing coaches argued but the call stood. On the next pitch she attempted (in my opinion) the exact same thing, fouled it off again but it was ruled an out. No big deal, she should have changed strategy after the protest, I was just curious as to whether there was something more concrete that I was unaware of that specified certain actions that made a bunt a bunt. If it's simply a judgment call, then we're on the right track. Thanks.

[vcblue]

If she broke her wrist then it is a swing. Just remember how fast this is all going on in front of the umpire. So yes, he/she could very well see the same thing differently during the game.

[51sDad]

If she broke her wrist then it is a swing. Just remember how fast this is all going on in front of the umpire. So yes, he/she could very well see the same thing differently during the game.

Oh of course. I don't have a problem with the call. I just figured I'd ask if there was something particular she could do to make it more obvious that she is not bunting. I suppose just putting the ball in play would make things easier.

[vcblue]

That judgment thing really screws things up. But to me that is part of the beauty of the game and the girls that figure it out are the ones that typically go on to college.

[HugoTafurst]

If she broke her wrist then it is a swing. Just remember how fast this is all going on in front of the umpire. So yes, he/she could very well see the same thing differently during the game.

Oh of course. I don't have a problem with the call. I just figured I'd ask if there was something particular she could do to make it more obvious that she is not bunting. I suppose just putting the ball in play would make things easier.

Once the ball has been hit, she could add a follow thru motion, adding to the perception that it is a slap.

[Argodad]

I use this to help me judge bunt or slap ... is the bat head moving forward faster than the hands?