In a situation where a batter does not swing and is hit by a pitch, how is the decision made on the call?

When a batter does not swing at a pitch and is hit by it, the call is ruled as a hit by pitch unless the batter actively swings at the ball. This rule is in place to protect the batter from getting hit while they are in a position to reach base safely. The intent is that if the batter chooses not to swing and the ball strikes them, they should be awarded first base.

If the batter swings and makes contact with the pitch, it would then result in different scenarios such as a strike or a batted ball, which could alter the play significantly. The designation of hit by pitch is specifically for instances where the batter does not attempt to hit the ball, thereby ensuring that players are rewarded for their non-swinging stance when contacted by a pitch.

In other scenarios presented, such as ruling it a dead ball or considering the runner at home plate, those would not adhere to the fundamental rule regarding hit by pitches and would confuse the intent of the play. Therefore, the ruling that a non-swinging batter being hit is a hit by pitch unless a swing occurs is a clear interpretation of the rules governing this aspect of the game.