On-deck batter and blocked Ball or live Ball?

[rwest]

ASA and FED


Just thinking out loud and was wondering what you guys and gals think!

If a thrown ball hits the on-deck batter in the on-deck circle and they did not interfere with a play is the ball live or is this considered a blocked ball? My thinking is that it hinges on whether or not the on-deck batter is considered involved in the game. I would say they are when they leave the on-deck circle to direct a runner advancing home from third. So if they are hit by the ball at that time I'd say it's a live ball. However, if it hits their bat, I'd kill it as it is a blocked ball. Their bat is not part of the playing field at this time. I'd then declare an out or just put runners back depending on whether or not there was interference. But if they are in the on-deck circle I would say possible not. I'm leaning toward a block ball if they are in the on-deck circle and possible interference if there was a play possible.