Runner hit while on base
Question
Hi Brian,
Hope this one hasn't been asked before:
A runner standing on third is hit by a hard hit ball down the line (not on the fly).
I understand a runner is only safe when hit by a ball if the ball previously went "through" a fielder and no fielder behind him has a play on the ball.
I wonder, however, if it makes any difference if the runner is ON the bag or if the third baseman did not have a prayer of making a play on it.
I can't seem to find a clear answer in the rules...
Thanks very much!
Phil.
Answer
Phil,
If a runner is on a base, and unintentionally hinders a fielder, then he will not be called out and the batter will not be called out. However, if a fair ball hits him before passing the infielder (regardless of if the fielder has a play or not) he is out no matter if he is on a base or not.
Hope this helps!
Brian
Runner hit by errant throw from the outfield
Play on a walk