But now that brings up a curiosity question.
In that event would the pitch be called, and would the ball be in play? And if so, how would it be scored?
Who’s got the rulebook?? ;-)
I’m guessing that would fall into the dead ball category; basically a do over. Although “bawk” comes to mind ;)
In this case, after hitting the bird in front of home plate the ball deflected and went to the backstop. Relatedly, if a pitch doesn't even reach the plate nor cross either of the foul lines, it's also ruled "no pitch," although if there are runners on-base it would be a balk. I've seen this happen several times: the ball will slip out of the pitcher's hand, or he'll stumble, or--memorably--his arm will snap, as Dave Dravecky's did.
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_rules.jsp
Rule 6.02(b) Comment (Rule 8.01(d ) Comment ): A ball which slips out of a pitcher’s hand and crosses the foul line shall be called a ball; otherwise it will be called no pitch. This would be a balk with men on base.