Runner Hit by Ball

[devilsadvocate]

The runner is always out under OBR rules when touched by a batted ball. Always. Except for three exceptions:

1. If the ball goes through the legs of the fielder and touches the runner immediately back of the fielder, the ball is alive and the runner is not out. Unless the runner does something intentional or another fielder has a play on the ball.

2. If the ball goes immediately by the fielder (within his reach) and touches the runner immediately back of the fielder, the ball is alive and the runner is not out. Unless the runner does something intentional or another fielder has a play on the ball.


3. If the ball is deflected by the fielder and then touches the runner. Unless the runner does something intentional or another fielder has a play on the ball.

The basic principle is that the runner must always avoid a batted ball, but he will not be guilty of interference if he is touched by a batted ball that a fielder would have been expected to field. A ball that goes within a reach or between a fielder's legs should have been fielded.