On-Deck Batter Interference

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by brandda
Not sure about OBR, but using LL rules, I would call it like this:

Assuming that there was no intent on the part of the on deck to keep the pitcher from fielding the ball, and his actions did not materially impact the play, I would rule this the same way as if there had been spectator interference. Dead ball, no one is out and runners who had not reached base prior to the interference return to their base of origin.

Good answer, except that's not the penalty for spectator interference. Spectator interference is one of the "God" rules -- the umpire gets to play God, determine what would have happened had there been no interference, then make that happen.