Walk and dead ball

Question
QUESTION: Rules 7.11 and 7.09(c) address Offensive Interference.  I am interested in plays at the plate (runner trying to score).  Are there any situations where the batter can hinder the catcher or fielder making a play at the plate?

Rule 6.6(c) seems to alleviate the batter from hindering a catchers throw to 1st, 2nd, or 3rd.  Example:  Runner on 2nd, attempting to steal on pitch, catcher throws ball to 3rd for play, hits batter who is in batters box with the ball.  The rule seems to indicate, no offensive interference and runner gets 3rd.  This seems contrary to Rule 7.11.  Is my understanding correct, and is the ball still live, meaning can the runner continue to advance to home?

ANSWER: The batter's box always belongs to the batter..always.  He can never be called for interferance as long as he is legally in the box.  The catcher therefore has to avoid him.

As far as your question above, the runner does not "get third" unless he safely reached on a steal....it is not automatic in any way.  If there is a play at teh plate, then the batter must vacate the batter's box.  If he does not vacate then he is certainly called for interferance.  If it's teh first or second out, then the runner stealing is called out & the batter remains in the box.  If it's the third out, then the batter is called out & is retired....

Thanks, for the question, Andy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Andy.  Lets try a couple more.

When a batter is walked, and a runner is forced to the next base without liability to be put out, runner misses bag at 2nd and trots towards the outfield, no intent to advance to third.  Is that runner at risk of being put out under Rule 7.10?

If the answer is yes, is this different than a runner missing home on a walk.

ANSWER: No, remember, walks or base on balls is a dead ball situation.  The runners can only advance one base then the umpire places the ball back into play when three things have happened.

1- The next batter is in the box.
2- The pitcher is on the mound & ready to deliver the ball.
3- The umpire calls, "Play"

So there is really no way the the runner can miss the base & go anywhere else...

Great question.

Andy

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Follow-up;

If ball four occurs on a wild pitch, is the ball dead?  My understanding is that the ball is live and all runners can advance at their own peril.  If this is so, why is this different than a ball 4 that is caught?

Thank you.

Answer
OK, I may have confused you & myself here.....Walks are dead ball in NFHS (high school)...others are a live ball situation.  Sorry I did not make this more plain earlier.....

Great question.....

Thanks, Andy

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