Interference/Deflected off the pitcher

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

What am I missing here?

If a runner, off the base, is hit by a batted ball before the ball has passed a fielder (excluding the pitcher) the runner is OUT!

Speaking ASA

Uhhh....no.

A runner hit by a fair, deflected (by anyone) batted ball is out only if, in the umpire's judgment, have avoided contact with the ball (8.8.F)

However, the NFHS committee felt that a ball deflected by a pitcher typically does not significantly change directions or slow down, so they felt the defender was still making an initial play, with a chance to get an out.

That is, IMO, one helluva presumption. What happens when it does change directions significantly? Is the rule then ignored? Who determines if it was significant or not? Is it assumed that if it is significant the defender could not get an out and the runner cannot interfere?

Too many variables by using the term "initial play", IMO.