Quote:
Originally Posted by RKBUmp
I tend to agree on the runner having to predict where the ricochet is going. 8-8-6 deals with the runner being hit by a deflected ball and not having the opportunity to avoid being hit. Not sure why they would have us rule differently if the ball deflected in such a way the runner could not avoid interfering on a ball deflecting off the pitcher.
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Neither agreeing nor defending the apparent rule contradiction; here's the explanation I got back from a rules committee member then (thinking 2008??).
When a batted ball is deflected by a pitcher, it is (estimate, not doing the math) generally 20-30 feet from the nearest player, be it offensive or defensive. If hit sharply, and changes direction in a manner that the runner cannot change direction and avoid the new direction of the batted ball, the runner is protected from interference (8-8-6).
Conversely, if 1) the ball doesn't really change direction, then the runner was initially and STILL obligated to avoid interfering with the defensive player. If 2) the ball does change direction, and the fielder remains in position to field the batted ball, then the runner should, again, still remain obligated to avoid interfering with the defensive player. And if 3) the ball does change direction, and the defensive player has enough time to react and change direction, then the runner had the same amount of time to react, and should still be responsible to avoid interfering with the defensive player. (8-6-10)
So, still have to avoid the fielder, but not necessarily the ball.