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Originally Posted by greymule
As long as the batter wasn't doing something unusual or purposely interfering, I would not agree with the call. This is not a blocked ball. It is the same as if it bounced off a coach or someone else engaged in the game and thus allowed on the field.
If the ball hit a player illegally standing outside the dugout, or hit offensive equipment that wasn't supposed to be on the field, that's another story.
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Speaking ASA
This is a blocked ball. The retired batter has an obligation to stay out of the play. This isn't as if this player was still completing his running task as a result of the batted ball. As I read the OP, the player was simply returning to the team area and was no longer engaged in the game.
Dead ball. Runner stays at last base touched when ball became blocked.
I will use 8.5.G.3 as a reference even though it only mentions equipment. The same effect is available. You can also cite rule 10. Giving the offense an award because offensive personnel kept the ball from entering DBT makes absolutely no sense at all.