Getting Technical

[rwest]

Originally posted by WestMichBlue
Batter-Runner interference does not have to be intentional. That is why my tittle says "technical." We no longer have a batter (one set of rules), we have a batter-runner (different set of rules.)

Common sense, logic, spirit of the rule suggests that B-R cannot instantantly disappear - BUT - the rule say you cannot interfere - intentional or not.

WMB
[/B]

BR Interference does have to be intentional when out of the batter's box. Rule 8.2.F says

When the batter-runner...intentionally interferes with a thrown ball while out of the batter's box.

So intent is required if out of the batter's box.

Play 8.2-19 is not exactally like your play, but it is relevant.

R1 is on 3B. The batter hits a fair ground ball to F3 who fields the ball near the line. They throw the ball to the catcher attempting to retire R1. The throw hits the batter-runner who intentionally interfers.

Ruling: Dead ball. This is interference based on the intentional act. R1 returns to 3B. (8-2F; 1-INTERFERENCE).