[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by thumpferee

Ok, here we go. I just have to voice my opinion here.

I have to go the other way on this as the play was described. I have interference and BR out. I just can't see a BR dropping a bat and the ball going 15 feet.

TwoBits brought up 8.4.1, but I'm inclined to believe that is the fielder himself and not his bat. As a batter, you have a responsibility to know where you DROP your bat. (ball hits bat nothing, bat hits ball INT)

Also, mbyron mentioned the batter is held to a higher standard when he puts the ball in play, HE STRUCK OUT! (sorry for hollaring) The only scenerio I saw in the case book only gave a runner stepping on the ball (8.4.1 SIT. I). Interference does not have to be intentional to be called.

Now, as I said, as the play was described. Ball is rolling down the line, BR then DROPS bat, ball rolls 15 ft. away...HMMMM

OK, let me have it!

MLBUM:

6.11 BATTER INTERFERES AFTER THIRD STRIKE NOT CAUGHT
Official Baseball Rule 7.09(a) provides that the batter-runner be called out for interference if "after a third strike he hinders the catcher in his attempt to field the ball."

Play: First base unoccupied or two out. Strike three not caught. Batter-runner unintentionally kicks, touches, or otherwise deflects the pitched ball that was not caught by the catcher. Catcher is unable to make a play.

Ruling: If this occurs in the vicinity of home plate, the ball is alive and in play. However, if this occurs up the first base line (where the batter-runner has had time to avoid the ball), interference is called, the batter-runner declared out, and runners return to base occupied at time of pitch.
(See Approved Ruling (8) in Section 6.23.)

As the OP said the ball was ". . approx 2-3 feet up the line . ." I think the "vicinity of home plate" part applies.