Question on play at the plate
 

Passed ball, batter steps out of box... Catcher gets ball and tosses it to pitcher who is covering home. Ball hits batter, runner who is attempting to come from third to home is safe at home.

Is there an issue here? Or is runner safe and no call?

Thanks!

It depends. The batter is obligated to get out of the way of the play. If he is approximately between the fielders when he is hit, call interference. Otherwise, play on.

The batter stood stationary and was in the path of the toss.

That's INT. With less than 2 outs, R3 is out, and otherwise the batter is out and the run does not score.

If the run does not score, does the runner go back to third?

"batter steps out of box...


Which is it?

The batter can't be held liable for a ball pinballing at the back stop. Yes, they need to make an attempt to get out of the way, but the blame needs to be pointed at the defense. They are the ones that put the ball on the ground.

So the batter needs to make an attempt to get out of the way, but that's about it. Look for that attempt, and also any intention to interfer. Aside from that, it's all on the defense. They put themselves in this situation.

Sorry for confusion. Batter steps out of box and then stands stationary.

R3 never goes back to 3rd. He is either out, or the inning is over.

If he wants to. But there are 3 outs - I suggest he go get his glove instead.

Not if he's out.

Either R3 will be called out (less than 2 outs), or B1 will be called out (if 2 outs) for the third out of the half-inning.

"You were just too high-strung, Johnny!" -- Doc Holliday, Tombstone