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Speaking ASA
I do not know if I would be so quick on this one. I believe a lot has to do with exactly "what" you consider the player.
If you still consider him/her a "batter", Rule 7.6.0 says the batter shall not hinder the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box. No intention is required. Of course, the "batter" has already been put out, so where do you go from there?
Steve's ruling is as close to correct as the rule book allows, or should I say, doesn't address?
Question: If the on-deck batter were to jump out in front of the catcher to retrieve a discarded bat and was hit in the head by the same throw, what would the call be?
Answer: The call would be the runner closest to home who has not yet scored at the time of interference is ruled out.(7.1.E)
My point is that this player is basically a non-entity. S/he is no longer a batter as the 3rd strike ended his/her turn at bat. The player is also not a batter-runner since the definition requires a BR to not yet have been put out. The only absolution a retired batter has from being called for interference when running on a uncaught 3rd strike when not permitted is if it draws a throw in the direction of 1B (8.8.P)
I think this might be one of those "grey area" rules.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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