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Originally posted by wadeintothem
Your probably correct in your interpretation... an ODB may be allowed on the field but they arent really "engaged" or "participating" until they are at bat... what are they allowed to do? Nothing.. I've even had coaches whine they are "clocking" their pitcher.
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Think of them in terms of a bat. A bat used by the BR is a piece of equipment used in the game. A bat used by the ODB to warm-up is not.
Under NORMAL circumstances, a bat used by the BR does not interfere with the game or cause a blocked ball. A bat used by the ODB is not part of the game and can cause interference and the ball is always considered blocked, by rule, if that bat is touched by a live ball.
The ODB is permitted, by rule, to leave the OD circle only to avoid interfering with a play, or to direct a runner approaching the plate. However, they are still required to avoid interfering with the play.
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That said... base coaches are exempted in ASA (allowed on the field), as are authorized (allowed on field somewhere) media personnel... the ball remains live..
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Partially true. The coach is exempt only when accidentally hit by a thrown ball, a foul batted ball or a batted ball over foul territory which no fielder had the opportunity to catch.
The coach is still required to vacate their "haven" to avoid interfering with a defender making a play. They are not allowed to leave the box between pitches to talk to the batter.
Media is allowed on the field as long as they are in complete control of all their equipment and there is no designated media area. Most of the time, they are the same as we are, just part of the field, dirt!