If a batter is hit, the batter walks to first.

If the batter is making an attempt to hit the pitch and gets hit, it is a strike. Certainly adds insult to injury.

It is a judgement call by the umpire if the batter is swinging or trying to avoid the pitch. Some people think its' cruel to call it a strike if a batter is hit, but it is the rule.

Coach Bill Mooney

Activity: Pitch touchs batter.

Awards or Penalty: Batter awarded 1B except when no effort to avoid pitch or pitch is a strike.

Reference 8-1-2b, 7-3-2

Strangely enough I don't remember ever having seen a blue NOT give first to a batter that has been hit, even if the batter didn't move.

So the rule is in place as Coach Bill writes, but it would seem that irl Blue has discretionary privileges where this is concerned.

Just the other day our pitcher hit a batter in the hand while she was swinging. I
believe the hand is part of the bat during the act of swinging.

If the batter swings and is hit with the pitch - it is a foul ball. If the batter has 2 strikes and then is hit while swinging - foul ball strike three The hand is not part of the bat.

Jim, better listen to Coach Mooney, he's exactly right on this one.