When a pitch strikes an arm-band placard device attached to the batter, what is the ruling?

When a pitch strikes an arm-band placard device attached to the batter, the ruling is that it is a dead ball, and the batter is not awarded first base. This situation is governed by the rules regarding the batter's equipment and the definition of a pitch hitting an object that is not considered part of the batter's body.

In this case, the arm-band with the placard is viewed as equipment rather than a part of the batter. Therefore, when the pitch strikes it, the ball is ruled dead to prevent any unfair advantage that could be gained by the batter or interference with the pitcher’s ability to pitch effectively. The play stops because the pitch has made contact with an object that is not part of the player's uniform or body, leading to the ruling that the game must resume without awarding the batter any additional privileges, such as the opportunity to advance to first base.

This ruling ensures that the game maintains its integrity and that equipment does not create an unfair influence on the outcome of a play. The distinction between the equipment and the batter's body is crucial in understanding the ruling in this scenario.