[Skahtboi]

Stealing from another site, let's see what folks here have to say in the way of discussion about this.

Well, ASA has removed one of my arguments involving interference. Intent is now no longer required for interference on a thrown ball.

Rule 8 Section 2F 3 now reads: When a batter-runner interferes with a thrown ball while out of the batter's box.

Comments: Removes 'intentionally' from the rule and allows the umpire to judge interference and not intent. It also matches the rule to the definition.

Rule 8 Section 7J 3 now reads: When a runner interferes with a thrown ball.

Comments: Removes 'intentionally' from the rule and allows the umpire to judge interference and not intent. It also matches the rule to the definition.

So with these rule changes in mind what do we have when R1 on 2nd base is hit with a thrown ball while sliding into third? If the umpire believes the ball would have beaten the runner to third, do we get an out? What happens if the short stop intentionally hits the runner with the ball? Does the short stop have to have a clear throwing lane to third? Or can he can just fire the ball at the back of the runner and claim interference? I'm thinking of that play where F6 is in the base line but behind the runner when they field the ball. The runner is between F6 and third base. F6 turns and throws straight down the base line and hits the runner instead of stepping to the right or left to establish a throwing lane before throwing the ball.

Source, Georgia Blue Forum; GaBlue. 2006.