If a runner is hit by a batted ball he =
is out
and no judgment of intent is required unless he is hit by a deflected ball,=
or
the ball has already passed all infielders, in which case the umpire must
decide if he intended to be hit to interfere, obstruct, impede, hinder or
confuse the defense.
A runner must avoid a fielder attemptin=
g to
field a BATTED BALL. If he does not he is guilty. He may run out of the
baseline, if necessary, if the fielder is fielding a batted ball. This is a=
fairly
easy call. Rule 7.09(L) and 7.08(b). The fielder's protection begins the mo=
ment
the ball is hit. That protection continues as he completes his initial play.
His protection ends if he misplays the batted ball and has to move to recov=
er
it. Contact with the fielder is not necessary for interference to be called=
.
The runner is out when hit by a batted =
ball
before it passes an infielder. (Rule 5.09(f) and 7.08(f=
)).
If it passes one infielder and another fielder who is on the outfield side =
of
the basepath had a possible play on the ball, t=
he
runner could still be called out. This is a judgment by the umpire. The pit=
cher
is not considered an infielder for this rule. If the ball passes the pitche=
r,
and the runner is hit before the ball passes an infielder, the runner is ou=
t.
The runner is expected to avoid the ball.
If a runner is hit by a FAIR batted ball
while he is in FAIR territory he is out with the above exceptions. This
includes while he is standing on a base. The bases are in FAIR territory. I=
f he
is hit in fair territory, while on the base, before the ball has passed an
infielder, he is out, except if he is hit by an infield-fly.
When a runner is called out for being h=
it by
a fair batted ball, the batter gets first base. All other runners remain at=
the
base they held at the time of the pitch, unless forced to advance by the ba=
tter
being awarded first base.