question on "interference"

[David Emerling]

I asked this question in the rec.sport.officiating newsgroup and got a few responses. But this forum has a wider audience, so I'm re-posting it here.

I would be interested in reading some opinions on the proper OBR and FED ruling for the following play.

R1 at 1st is stealing on the pitch. The pitch is in the dirt and hits off the catcher's shin guards and is headed for the dugout (which is not enclosed).

Because the runner was stealing, and, because the ball bounced a considerable distance from the catcher, there is no doubt that R1 is going to easily advance to 3rd without a play.

However - the ball would have easily entered the dugout, thus being out-of-play if it were not for the fact that the on-deck batter simply stood there, making absolutely no effort to move, and allowed the ball to hit him, thus preventing the ball from entering the dugout, which it certainly would have. The on-deck batter clearly saw the ball and had ample time to move out of the way - but simply did not.

Ruling?

Thanks!

David Emerling
Memphis, TN