Quote:
Originally Posted by bob jenkins
This answer depends on the rule set and what you mean by "opportunity to make a play."
Under OBR, start with the premise that a runner who is hit by the batted ball is out. Period.
Now recognize that this isn't "fair" if the runner thought the ball could be fielded. So, a runner is not out if the ball is deflected, or if the ball goes immediately through or past a fielder.
Now recognize that this second part (the "through or by" part) isn't "fair" to the defense if another (in?)fielder had a play (meaning able to field the ball and get an out). (This exception to the exception does NOT apply when the ball is deflected.)
Now you know the rule.
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I just had to quote Bob's post because:
a) he's right, and
b) his interp has the additional virtues of being brief and clear, and
c) he understands that the subordinate clause concerning "no other infielder" applies to the exception, not the main principle that a runner hit by a batted ball is out.