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Hey Mike,
I am just wondering why the rule says "prevents" the batter from hitting the ball instead of saying "if the catcher merely hits the bat with his glove, or touches the batter". I am just wondering why would they include "prevents". It seems to imply that if the batter does Hit The Ball there is a difference. I know the Umpire must go with the rules, but I think the rules you posted are for obsturction that "Prevents" the ball from being hit, or where a batter is touched. I know the rule also says "touches the batter, or their bat with a runner on third, but doesn't that just apply if the ball is not hit? If not why put "prevents" in the rule? I really don't know, that's why I am asking. But I just can't imagine a batter should be held to a single if a catcher hits the bat with his glove, or touches the batter, but it does not prevent the ball from being hit in the hole for a sure double, etc.
As the rule is written it does not say what should be called if the ball is actually hit, even with the obstruction. DDB makes sense. I think DB goes against the principal of the rule.
..."swing or attempted bunt, the catcher or any other fielder PREVENTS THE BATTER FROM HITTING THE BALL, touches the batter or their bat with a runner on third base trying to score by means of a squeeze play or a steal".
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