Runner Hit by Live Ball (Differences Across Rulebooks)
What's the Difference?
For the most part, the rules for a runner being hit by a live ball are similar across rulebooks. However, there are some key differences that can lead to confusion if not understood properly.
In general, the rules for a runner being hit by a thrown ball result in no penalty unless the interference is intentional.
When a runner is hit by a fair batted ball, the rules are similar but there are some key wording differences that lead to different results.
Infielder vs. Fielder
In OBR, the one of the many rules that apply to a runner being hit by a fair batted ball says: Rule 5.09(b)(7) "A runner is out when he is touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has gone through, or by, an infielder and no other infielder has a chance to make a play on the ball. The ball is dead and no runner may score, nor runners advance, except runners forced to advance."
In USSSA, the similar rule reads: Rule 8.18.O "Any runner is out when the runner is contacted by a fair-batted ball before it touches or passes an infielder, or after it passes any infielder, except the pitcher, and the Umpire judges that another fielder has a play."
The key difference is that OBR uses the term 'infielder' while USSSA uses the term 'fielder'. This means that in USSSA, if a fair batted ball passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher) but there is an outfielder who has a chance to make a play on the ball, the runner is out if hit by the ball. In OBR, this situation does not result in the runner being out (live ball play on). In both USSSA and OBR, if the ball passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher) and another INFIELDER has a chance to make a play on the ball, the runner is out if hit by the ball (dead ball).
While in most situations this distinction does not matter, it could be the difference in a close game.
Fair Ball vs. Fair Ball in Fair Territory
In OBR, the above rule citation reads "A runner is out when he is touched by a fair ball in fair territory...". In USSSA, the similar rule citation reads "Any runner is out when the runner is contacted by a fair-batted ball...".
In most situations, the distinction is irrelevant. However, consider the following situation: With a runner on third base, the batter hits a ground ball down the third base line. The runner, to avoid being hit, jumps behind third base in foul territory. The ball then hits the base (fair ball) and then hits the runner standing behind the base in foul territory.
In OBR, for the runner to be out, the FAIR batted ball must HIT the runner in FAIR territory. Under OBR, the runner would not be out. In USSSA, for the runner to be out, the FAIR batted ball must HIT the runner (no mention of fair territory). So, in this rare situation under OBR what is the correct call (dead ball or live ball)? What about under USSSA?
At the end of the article, we will provide our interpretation of the correct call under each ruleset. If you disagree, please reach out to us to provide your reasoning and we will publish it in our newletter! With enough feedback, we will update this aritcle to reflect your interpretations.
Runner on Base Exception
In OBR, the "Runner Hit by a Live Ball" rule applies to any fair ball in fair territory. This includes when the runner is standing on a base (there is one exception on an Infield Fly, see the attached rule explanation below).
In USSSA, the rule state that if a runner is in contact with a base when they are hit by a fair batted ball, the runner is NOT out (unless the contact is intentional). This is a key difference from OBR.
A Possible Interpretation
Earlier in the article, we presented a rare situation where a runner jumps into foul territory to avoid being hit by a fair batted ball that then hits him/her in foul territory after hitting the base (fair ball).
First, let's clarify the situation. The runner is contacted by a fair batted ball while in foul territory (the ball is fair because it hit third base first). This is different from a runner being contaced by a foul ball in foul territory (a ball that first hits a runner in foul territory is simply a foul ball, no out).
In USSSA, a first interpretation brings us to believe the runner is out, dead ball. Rule 8.18.O tells us a runner hit by a fair batted ball is out (meeting the criteria presented above). So Rule 8.18.O gives us an out. Rule 10.1.D.1 tell us that "Any batted ball, while on or over foul ground touches any object other than the ground or any person other than a fielder." So Rule 10.1.D.1 gives us a dead ball. Thus, the runner is out, dead ball.
In OBR, a first interpretation is not enough to make a decision. To come to a decision, we must consider three seperate rules: Rule 5.06(C)(6), Rule 5.09(b)(7), and Rule 6.01(a)(11).
In summary, Rule 5.06(C)(6) states a ball is dead when a fair batted ball touches a runner in FAIR territory (including the criteia for passing or touching infielders). This means the ball must be both FAIR and in FAIR territory for the ball to be dead. This is not the case for our situation (fair ball touches runner in FOUL territory). So the ball cannot be dead. Under Rule 5.09(b)(7), we already know the ball must be fair and hit the runner in fair territory for the runner to be out, so the runner cannot be out in our situation. Rule 6.01(a)(11) reiterates the points from the other two rules.
So, from our analysis, the runner is NOT out and the ball is NOT dead. As a result, the ball is live, play on (under OBR).
Examples
- Similar situation: Ball hits first base then hits runner standing in foul territory.
- Different situation: Ball hits runner standing on first base.
- Different situation: Ground ball down third base line in foul territory contacts runner on the way to home. This would be a foul ball (unless intentional).
Frequently Asked Questions
What about NFHS rules?▼
The full description of NFHS rules is coming soon. However, using the same analysis as above, getting the results for NFHS is similar.
What about case plays?▼
The NFHS case book has not yet been analyzed for this specific play. If you find something, please reach out!