[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by 3appleshigh

A straight line from the catcher to the base goes through the runner, 30 feet or 70 feet from the bag. Period. You don't get it that playing hard and to win, sometimes means people might get hurt. If they can step out and throw another way, that is optimal, i will agree, but if not, through the runner is the next option. Not throwing it into the outfield. as you try to go over the runner. For example, Nice bunt Just outside the batters box on 3rd base side, Catcher up and to the ball, Runner well in fair territory and has GOOD wheels, what should the catcher do. He should throw it directly at First base which MOST LIKELY is through the runners back.

also Throwing a ball in order to get an out is not a crime. You would have to PROVE the intent of the catcher to hit the runner, and providing a quality throw to First base that hits a runner would throw a big monkey wrench in the plans. Add to that the runner's actions and sorry, That would be a tough case to win. Just having injuries and a thought that he might have does not a victory make.

Also I would like to note, you think one must throw extra hard in order to hit the runner, a simple throw that the runner is impeding is what is needed, same throw one would make in the instance where the runner is in the running lane.

Now suppose your same senario of the player getting hit with the ball, while running in the lane, Falling and subsequent injuries. DO you still have a lawsuit. There is no reason for intent here, and as much proof that there was intent. Well are you still giving those $$$ to the runner???

Grown-up catchers know how to find a lane to throw - usually by taking a side step. That's why you hardly ever see hit runners or interference calls in grown-up ball. Anyone who throws at the runner is untrained or a jerk. And if it's obvious that he threw at the runner . . .