Quote:
Originally Posted by RKBUmp
Why would a ball that unintentionally hit an on deck batter necessarily be considered a blocked ball?
A blocked ball is one that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game or which touches loose equipment......
Is an on deck batter not also a part of the active game? A space is provided for them in live ball territory, they are allowed to be in live ball territory during play and can act as an additional base coach directing a player between 3rd and home plate. A batted or thrown ball that unintentionally hits a base coach is not interference and is a live ball. Same would go for an errant throw or deflection that goes off an umpire.
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To add to what Mike said, the rule book has specific language regarding a base coach being hit by a thrown ball. It's a live ball if it was not deemed intentional, otherwise interference if there was a play to be made. There is no such language regarding the ODB, which leads me to believe that the ODB is not actively involved in the game. They can leave the On deck circle to direct a player coming home. In that instance I would say they are actively involved in the game. Also, when they leave the On deck circle to become a batter they are in the game. A part from those two situations, they are not.