On Deck Batter

[RKBUmp]

Why would a ball that unintentionally hit an on deck batter necessarily be considered a blocked ball?

A blocked ball is one that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game or which touches loose equipment......

Is an on deck batter not also a part of the active game? A space is provided for them in live ball territory, they are allowed to be in live ball territory during play and can act as an additional base coach directing a player between 3rd and home plate. A batted or thrown ball that unintentionally hits a base coach is not interference and is a live ball. Same would go for an errant throw or deflection that goes off an umpire.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Why would a ball that unintentionally hit an on deck batter necessarily be considered a blocked ball?

A blocked ball is one that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game or which touches loose equipment......

Is an on deck batter not also a part of the active game? A space is provided for them in live ball territory, they are allowed to be in live ball territory during play and can act as an additional base coach directing a player between 3rd and home plate. A batted or thrown ball that unintentionally hits a base coach is not interference and is a live ball. Same would go for an errant throw or deflection that goes off an umpire.

No, the ODB is not part of the game. The rules only allow the ODB permission to leave their assigned area for certain purposes, they do not provide them with any protection or "rights" as it pertains to what occurs when they leave that area.

[Dholloway1962]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

No, the ODB is not part of the game. The rules only allow the ODB permission to leave their assigned area for certain purposes, they do not provide them with any protection or "rights" as it pertains to what occurs when they leave that area.

I agree, but the OP never said where the ODB is at. Is the ODB by the plate or in the ODB circle? That would be my question before answering the question posed by the OP.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

I agree, but the OP never said where the ODB is at. Is the ODB by the plate or in the ODB circle? That would be my question before answering the question posed by the OP.

If the ODB is out of the circle directing the runner home, he had better be behind the catcher and any other defensive player covering on the play when and if he gets hit by the ball.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Dholloway1962

I agree, but the OP never said where the ODB is at. Is the ODB by the plate or in the ODB circle? That would be my question before answering the question posed by the OP.

Really don't care. Speaking ASA, I believe 7.1.D is real clear.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Really don't care. Speaking ASA, I believe 7.1.D is real clear.

ASA allows them to come out of the circle to direct a runner coming from third. At this point it is my interpretation that ASA deems them involved in the game and I'll give them some latitude, but they had better be behind the play so as not to interfere with the throw. ASA needs some clarification on this because I don't believe it is as clear as you deem it. I'd like a case play on this.

[RKBUmp]

The ODB was still in the on deck circle when the ball was deflected into her.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by rwest

ASA allows them to come out of the circle to direct a runner coming from third. At this point it is my interpretation that ASA deems them involved in the game and I'll give them some latitude, but they had better be behind the play so as not to interfere with the throw. ASA needs some clarification on this because I don't believe it is as clear as you deem it. I'd like a case play on this.

At no point does ASA state, note or insinuate that the ODB is a game participant.

The definition of a blocked ball refers to a person "not engaged in the game".

You can attempt ot justify the ODB's existence on the field, but you have absolutely nothing to support your "interpretation".

[rwest]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

At no point does ASA state, note or insinuate that the ODB is a game participant.

The definition of a blocked ball refers to a person "not engaged in the game".

You can attempt ot justify the ODB's existence on the field, but you have absolutely nothing to support your "interpretation".

No where in the rulebook does ASA define who is engaged in the game. It is your interpretation that the ODB is not involved in the game. You have absolutely nothing to support your interpretation. I happen to agree with you to a point, however, that's because we interpret it similarly, up to a point that is.

We all read the rule book and will come away with a different interpretation at times. This is because the rule book is sometimes less than 100% clear. I'm not faulting ASA. They do a good job, but they aren't perfect. No one is. Any document dealing with rules (i.e the Constitution, the Bible, ASA rule book) is opened to interpretation. Many things are crystal clear. Whether the ODB is invovled in the game is not one of them.

If there is some rule in the rule book that clearly says the ODB is not in the game, then I'll change by opinion. Until then, my interpretation has as much support as yours. Also, I'll take a written interpretation from the NUS. It doesn't just have to come from the book. As long as it is official.

[rwest]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Why would a ball that unintentionally hit an on deck batter necessarily be considered a blocked ball?

A blocked ball is one that is touched, stopped or handled by a person not engaged in the game or which touches loose equipment......

Is an on deck batter not also a part of the active game? A space is provided for them in live ball territory, they are allowed to be in live ball territory during play and can act as an additional base coach directing a player between 3rd and home plate. A batted or thrown ball that unintentionally hits a base coach is not interference and is a live ball. Same would go for an errant throw or deflection that goes off an umpire.

To add to what Mike said, the rule book has specific language regarding a base coach being hit by a thrown ball. It's a live ball if it was not deemed intentional, otherwise interference if there was a play to be made. There is no such language regarding the ODB, which leads me to believe that the ODB is not actively involved in the game. They can leave the On deck circle to direct a player coming home. In that instance I would say they are actively involved in the game. Also, when they leave the On deck circle to become a batter they are in the game. A part from those two situations, they are not.

Maybe it's time to ban the ODB and tell them to take their warmup swings in the dugout. Some games need a little excitement.

[outathm]

Originally Posted by Ref Ump Welsch

Maybe it's time to ban the ODB and tell them to take their warmup swings in the dugout. Some games need a little excitement.

This is the best idea I have heard in a while. There should also be a rule that they need to take the warmup swings next to the loudest whiner or cheer leader. Whichever annoys the PU the most.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by outathm

This is the best idea I have heard in a while. There should also be a rule that they need to take the warmup swings next to the loudest whiner or cheer leader. Whichever annoys the PU the most.

Why not? In SP, that's the last place you find the players, so there should be plenty of room.