[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Illini_Ref

So by that logic a player (who is not a runner) could INTENTIONALLY get hit with a thrown ball and nothing should be called. I don't think that is the intent.

The rules say a RUNNER cannot INTENTIONALLY interfere with a thrown ball. They also say that players and coaches who are not runners cannot HINDER a fielder's attempt at fielding a thrown ball.

I think it is a poorly written rule, and as has been pointed out, the comment addresses a coach (and invokes intent), although coaches are exempted in the rule and intent is not mentioned.

Let me ask you this:

1. If the fielder had thrown the ball correctly and not off line, would the ball have hit the on-deck batter?
2. Was the on-deck batter doing what he was supposed to be doing when the off line throw hit him?
3. Did the on-deck intentionally put himself in position to get hit with that off line throw?
4. Did you notice that the PU almost got hit with same throw before the on-deck batter was hit?

Once you answer all of the above questions, you will realize that you are barking up the wrong tree looking for an interference call.

Try and remember that we umpires have to answer all of these questions within a fraction of a second to make the proper call.

Answers:

1. No
2. Yes
3. No
4. Yes