What happens to a bat that is found illegal after a foul ball is hit?

When an illegal bat is identified after a foul ball is hit, the correct action is to permanently remove that bat from the game. This is in line with the regulations that govern the use of equipment in competitive play. The integrity of the game relies on all equipment meeting established standards. Once a bat is deemed illegal, it cannot be used in any further plays, ensuring that fairness is maintained for all players.

This approach prevents any potential advantages that could arise from using a non-compliant bat and reinforces the rules that are designed to protect the safety of players and the spirit of fair competition. Other choices, such as allowing continued use until the inning ends or permitting the bat as long as no complaints are lodged, undermine the purpose of enforcing equipment standards. Similarly, stating that only the batter is penalized neglects the broader implications for the team and the overall game integrity. The emphasis is on immediate removal to maintain compliance with game regulations.