Thrown Bat Rules
Also known as: thrown bat, throwing the bat, threw the bat, slinging the bat, tossing the bat after a hit
No, throwing the bat is not automatically an out under MLB rules. It becomes an out when the thrown bat interferes with a fielder trying to make a play, whether it was on purpose or not. A batter is also out if his thrown bat hits the catcher while he is catching a third strike, or a pitch with runners on base.
After a hit, many young players fling the bat as they run. That is a safety risk, and coaches work hard to stop it. Under MLB rules, it only matters on the field if the bat gets in the way of a play.
The comment to MLB Rule 5.09(a)(8) says a whole bat thrown into fair or foul territory that interferes with a fielder trying to make a play is interference. That holds whether it was intended or not. MLB Rule 6.03(a)(4) adds the catcher case.
A broken bat is different. If part of a broken bat is hit by the ball or hits a fielder, play goes on and no interference is called. Youth and high school leagues may have their own safety rules for thrown bats, so check your league's rulebook.
Tips by skill level
After you hit the ball, drop the bat as you start to run. Do not toss it behind you.
Teach young players to let go of the bat with the bottom hand only after the swing, so it drops near the box.
Example
A hitter tosses his bat after a ground ball. It rolls in front of the third baseman as he fields the ball. The umpire calls interference, and the batter-runner is out.
Why it matters
Thrown bats can hurt catchers, umpires and teammates. Knowing when it costs an out gives players one more reason to drop the bat safely.
Common mistakes
- Flinging the bat out of habit after contact
- Thinking a thrown bat is always an automatic out
- Confusing a broken bat with a thrown bat
Frequently asked questions
Is throwing the bat an out?
Not automatically under MLB rules. It is an out if the bat interferes with a fielder making a play, or hits the catcher on a third strike or with runners on.
What if a broken bat hits a fielder?
Play continues and no interference is called, under the comment to MLB Rule 5.09(a)(8). A whole bat thrown into a play is different.
What happens if my thrown bat hits the catcher?
Under MLB Rule 6.03(a)(4), you are out if he was trying to catch a third strike or a pitch with runners on base, unless a runner is put out on the play.
Sources
Related terms
- Running Through First BaseOn a ground ball, run hard through first base instead of slowing down or sliding. Touch the front of the bag and keep sprinting a few steps past it. The rules let a batter-runner overrun first and come back without being tagged out, as long as he returns right away and makes no attempt to run to second.
- Batter's Box RuleA batter who hits the ball, fair or foul, with a foot on the ground entirely outside the batter's box is out. That is MLB Rule 6.03(a)(1) and NFHS Rule 7-3-2. The chalk lines belong to the box. A foot touching a line is legal. High school rules also call a batter out for making contact with a foot on home plate.
- Catcher's InterferenceCatcher's interference is when the catcher, or any fielder, interferes with the batter during a pitch, usually by touching the bat with the mitt as the batter swings. Under MLB Rule 6.01(c), the batter is awarded first base. If a play follows, the offense's manager can choose to take the result of the play instead.
- Illegal Bat PenaltyUsing an illegal bat makes the batter out. Under NFHS high school rules, the batter is out once he enters the box with one, and the head coach is restricted to the dugout on a first offense. Under MLB rules, a batter using an altered bat, such as a corked or grooved one, is out and ejected.
- Tee-Ball HittingTee-ball hitting is about simple basics and fun. Set the tee about belt high and a little in front of the child's front hip. Stand the child far enough away that the barrel reaches the ball, and teach a balanced stance and a hard, level swing. Keep sessions short and praise effort and contact over form.
Related guides & benchmarks
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