Batter Interference

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Okay, here's a rule question from a basketball guy.
Isn't intent required for interference in this play? If the batter didn't know where the ball was, how could he have intended to interfere?

Ordinarily, intent is required for interference with a thrown ball. But that standard is applied to a runner, and that higher standard is required because the runner has something he's supposed to be doing, namely baserunning. If his doing that puts him in the way of a play by the defense, play the bounce.

The batter has nothing better to do here than to pay attention to where the ball is and to get out of the way. If he fails to do so, he's guilty of interference whether or not he intentionally hinders the defense.