Blocked Ball?

[NCASAUmp]

Originally Posted by umpire12

"In ASA, a ball striking the on-deck batter would be considered a blocked ball. If it did not interfere with the defense's ability to make a play on the runner, the ball just becomes dead".

so, in order to make this true, the on deck batter would have to be considered not engaged in the game, unlike coaches..correct?

That's what I'm saying.

We had a very lengthy discussion about this very topic a couple years ago. The on-deck batter is allowed on the field, but is not considered to be "engaged in the game." An on-deck batter is not required to even be on the field. They can come straight from the dugout to the plate if they so desire.