Runner standing on base hit by line drive batted ball!

Linknblue

My interpretation is that runner is not out. I'm being told by Senior Softball Manager, he's out. Any organizations have the runner out on after being hit by a line drive while in contact with a base?

NDblue

Did runner attempt to get out of the way or did he/she intentionally get in the way? I've always been taught that the base is a "safe zone" and if the runner didn't intentionally interfer with the ball, he/she is not out, no call is made and play on.

canump

under canadian rules he's out only if he deliberately interfered with batted ball while in contact with the base. Other than that the ball is dead or alive depending on the position of the infeilder(s)

Linknblue

Thanks, got my answer. Not out unless intentionally tried to get hit. Judgement call by Blue. Slowpitch, defense is always behind the base (3rd in this case).

wadeintothem

Linknblue wrote
Thanks, got my answer. Not out unless intentionally tried to get hit. Judgement call by Blue. Slowpitch, defense is always behind the base (3rd in this case).

There is not much in softball that is "always", especially not that. I've most certainly seen squeezing in slow pitch.

greymule

The only question I have about this play is whether standing completely still on the bag and allowing yourself to be hit by a batted ball constitutes intentional interference. I'm inclined to say it does, but (as with a batter and a pitch) does the runner have to make an attempt to avoid the batted ball?

JPRempe

greymule wrote
The only question I have about this play is whether standing completely still on the bag and allowing yourself to be hit by a batted ball constitutes intentional interference. I'm inclined to say it does, but (as with a batter and a pitch) does the runner have to make an attempt to avoid the batted ball?

It's going to be hard for a runner to make an attempt to avoid the batted ball whilst standing on the base. Besides, you don't need to avoid the ball, but rather not purposely get in the way of the ball...