If a batter swings at a pitch and the pitch hits his hands and lands in fair territory what is the call? Fair or foul?

by Jody
(Dothan, Alabama, USA)

Jody asked:

If a batter swings at a pitch and the pitch hits his hands and lands in fair territory what is the call? Fair or foul?

Rick answered: Great question Jody. When the ball hits any part of the body, the call is a dead ball. If, as in this case, the batter swings at the pitch, it is a dead ball and a strike, the at bat continues.

If he hadn't swung, it would be a dead ball, batter goes to first base.

There are many myths in baseball, one that is quite prevalent is that the batter's hands are a part of the bat. They aren't.

Yours in baseball,

Rick