Runner Hit by Live Ball (OBR)
Clarification
First, we are seperating this rule by ruleset (other articles are published for other rulesets) because the rules differ significantly. Additionally, while a runner hit by a batted ball is a type of interference, it is different from a runner interfering with a fielder who is fielding a ball. While the penalties are similar, there are some nuanced distinctions that come into play in advanced discussions of the rules.
Runner Hit by Thrown Ball
In OBR, there is generally no penalty for a runner being hit by a thrown ball. The only exception is if the runner intentionally interferes with the throw (Rule 5.09(b)(3) and 6.01(a)(10)). In this case, the runner is out and the ball is dead. If the intference is intentional on a double play attempt, Rule 6.01(j) applies and both the runner and the batter-runner are out.
When the runner is hit by a thrown ball unintentionally, there is no penalty and the ball remains live. This applies to the batter-runner, with some caveats for the running lane to first base (see Rule 5.09(a)(11) and the attached rule explanation below for more details).
Runner Hit by Batted Ball
This rule is one of the most complex in OBR. The rule itself is not complicated, but the caveats spread across the many pages of the rulebook making it difficult to piece together a complete understanding. Additionally, this is one of the few rules in baseball where the rulebook has a samll contradictory statement that can lead to confusion if not read carefully (for a more advanced conversation at another time).
The most consice way to summarize the rule while capturing the key caveats is as follows: A runner is out and the ball is dead when he/she is touched by a fair batted ball in fair territory before the ball touches an infielder (including the pitcher) or passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher), or after it passes an infielder (excpet the pitcher) the umpire deems that another INFIELDER has a chance to make a play on the ball (Rule 5.09(b)(7)).
With that statement in mind, there are additional caveats to consider.
Caveats to Runner Hit by Batted Ball
1. In OBR, this rule applies even if the runner is standing on a base when hit (i.e., the base is not a safe haven in this situation). The rule applies for fair balls in fair territory and the bases are in fair territory.
2. An exception to the above statment is if a runner is hit by an infield fly while on his/her base. In this case, the ball is dead, the batter is out on infield fly, and the runner is not out.
3. An exception to the above exception, if a runner is hit by an infield fly while OFF the base, the runner is out for interference, the batter is out on infield fly, and the ball is dead.
4. If a fair batted ball hits two runners (unlikely but possible), the first runner is out and the ball is immediatly dead, thus the second runner is not out but is requried to return to the last legally occupied base.
5. By negation, if a runner is hit by a batted ball in foul territory, the runner is not out but the ball is dead.
6. By negation, if the runner is hit by a batted ball after it has passed an infielder (excluding the pitcher) and no other infielder had a chance to make a play on the ball, the runner is not out and the ball remains live.
Note that when a runner is hit by a batted ball and called out, other runners return to their last legally occupied base (dead ball), except those forced to advance. The batter is awarded first base.
What's so Complicated?
So far, this rule is relatively straightforward. However, it is the wording of the OBR rulebook that complicates matters. The above explanation is the best way I have found to understand this rule. With that said, below is the OBR rulebook language so you can get used to the complicated phrasing. When confused, go to the above explanation to understand the OBR wording.
Rule 5.06(c)(6): "The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when: A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher; runners advance, if forced. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, no other infielder has a chance to make a play on the ball and the ball touches a runner immediately behind the infielder that the ball went through, or by, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner out. If a fair ball touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner out."
Rule 5.06(c)(6) Comment: "If a fair ball touches an umpire working in the infield after it has bounded past, or over, the pitcher, it is a dead ball. If a batted ball is deflected by a fielder in fair territory and hits a runner or an umpire while still in flight and then caught by an infielder it shall not be a catch, but the ball shall remain in play."
Rule 5.09(b)(7): "Any 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. EXCEPTION: If a runner is touching his base when touched by an Infield Fly, he is not out, although the batter is out;"
Rule5.09(b)(7) Continued: "If a runner is touched by an Infield Fly when he is not touching his base, and before the ball has gone through, or by, an infielder, and no other infielder has a chance to make a play on the ball, both the runner and batter are out. Regardless of whether a runner is touching his base or not when touched by an Infield Fly 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."
Rule 5.09(b)(7) Comment: "If two runners are touched by the same fair ball, only the first one is out because the ball is instantly dead."
Rule 6.01(a)(11): "It is interference by a batter or a runner when: A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches the runner after having been deflected by a fielder, the umpire shall not declare the runner out for being touched by a batted ball. In making such decision the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the fielder, and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the runner deliberately and intentionally kicks such a batted ball on which the infielder has missed a play, then the runner shall be called out for interference."
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the ball have to be thrown for interference to be called?▼
Most likely yes. Interference on a thrown ball is only called if the interference is intentional. If the ball is not thrown, there is likely no interference under THIS rule. With that said, pending the circumstances, another rule may apply in the situation you are considering.
On a double play situation, if the runner is hit by a batted ball, are both the runner and batter-runner out?▼
Generally no, but it depends. Rule 5.09(b)(7) applies when the runner is hit by a batted ball and specifies that only the runner is out. Clearly, if there is no fielder in the vicinity of fielding the ball that hits the runner, there is no double play situation possible. Now, if the runner intentionally gets hit by a live ball in a double play situation, clearly for the purpose of breaking up the double play, then Rule 6.01(a)(6) applies, which is for a runner hindering a fielder. Under this rule, both players would be out.