ball strikes runner after it passes an infielder

[Gee]

Originally posted by jcor
I realize that if the ball is touched by the infielder then hits the runner you have no infraction. If the ball passes an infielder who does not touch it and strikes a runner, what determines whether or not an infraction has occurred?
Thanks.

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In OBR the key word is "PASSED" The word passed means within five feet (reasonable chance) of the fielder, not including the pitcher.
(A touched {deflected} ball would include the pitcher).

If it hasn't passed the fielder within that range and then hits a runner he is dead out.

The point is that the offense must give the defense a reasonable chance to field the ball before they interfere. I have that ball protected to the outfield wall.

The FED rules differ. If you attach a string to all of the infielders, not including the pitcher, and the ball passes that string without touching a fielder and hits the runner he is not out and the ball is in play. G.

[Edited by Gee on Jul 15th, 2001 at 09:22 PM]