[Tru_in_Blu]

An on-deck batter paying any attention whatsoever would never get hit by a ball thrown from center field. It's simply incumbent upon the on-deck batter to stay out of playing action.

So the argument is that an inattentive on deck batter who is doing nothing but standing in the on deck circle and ends up being hit by a deflected or off-line thrown ball has COMMITTED an act that warrants an INT call.

Sorry, not buying that. But with proper rule citation, I could be convinced otherwise.

If the on deck batter actually DOES something like bends over and picks the ball up or kicks it, then we have something to rule on. By your logic, the coach should never be hit by a thrown ball because s/he should be paying close attention and also has a clear view of the entire field.