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Originally Posted by Rich Fronheiser
Following up on Dave -- passed the infielder for purposes of this rule means the ball must be within a step and a reach of the fielder making the play. A diving fielder missing is not within a step and a reach, so the runner is expected to avoid contact with the fair batted ball.
The purpose of the rule is to protect a runner when there is no chance he can avoid the ball because he is screened by a nearby fielder.
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I am sorry, but I disagree. You cannot back this interpretation in the rule book.
The rule ONLY says that if a batted ball touches a runner BEFORE IT PASSES A FIELDER, he is out. NOTHING ELSE! There is NOTHING about being "withing reach, or within a step".
This is scary discussion. eofficial simply got this wrong. I have had numerous times (okay, maybe 3 or 4 times....) in 20 plus years where the infielders were playing in, and a batted ball touches a runner leading off at second base. Never an arguement, and NEVER had a partner call it any different.
Intentionally touching a ball after it has passed a fielder, indeed I would have interference.