Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve
As I understand it, the logic is that runners have to know that they have to avoid interfering with fielders in the act of fielding a batted ball; and the fielders are big enough to see, know where they are, and react to avoid as necessary. The fact that a pitcher may have touched the ball shouldn't change that; runners have to know know they have to avoid the fielders.
But the deflected ball may often be moving too quickly to avoid it; it has changed direction, and may not be avoidable. In that case, the runner shouldn't be penalized. Unless the runner intends to interfere, in which case the rule allows that to be penalized.
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And what happens when the fielder quickly changes direction following the ball which changed direction and steps into a runner or his/her path and initiate's contact? That only problem I have is there doesn't seem to be any relief for a runner in such an event.
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The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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