Hit runner.

Question
Batter hits ball in front of the plate, but runs inside the diamond on the way to first base (thus impeding a throw by the catcher).  If the catcher throws the ball to first and the runner is hit while still inside the diamond is the runner out.  Doesn't the runner have to be outside the foul line (at least when the double lines start about 1/2 way toward first)?
What happens if the runner is hit by the thrown ball if the runner has moved to the foul territory past the double lines towards first?

Answer
Hi Ed,

We don't have anything but a bad throw from the catcher until the b-r enters the 3' lane.  If they are in the 3' lane they are protected unless they intentionally interfere w/ the throw.  They are also protected if they are running in fair territory by the 3' lane and the throw is coming from foul territory on the 1st base side.

The runner would be out if they are outside the 3' line in fair territory, the throw is coming from fair territory and in the umpire's judgment the thrown ball hitting the runner interferes with the fielder taking the throw at 1st base.  Simply nailing the runner outside the 3' lane is not enough, it must interfere w/ the fielder taking the throw.

Mark