Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/31/2009

Question
I saw a batter duck out of the way of a pitch but the pitch ended up skimming
off the top of the helmet and hit his bat behind him. I think it is a hit by pitch
but the umpire called it a foul ball. Which is correct?

Another question is a runner is going from 2nd to 3rd and the shortstop runs
into him. He is in the baseline. I thought this was called interference. Is it or
what actually is the rule on base runner interference?

Answer
Rick,

If the batter is hit by the pitch before it hits his bat, then he is awarded first base.  If it hits his bat, then him, then it is a foul ball.

If a fielder impedes a runner, then this is called obstruction.  The umpire should call it immediately and play is dead.  The runner is awarded at least the next base after the one he has legally touched and any other runners are also awarded the next base.  If the umpire feels the runners would have advanced further, then he should award the runners whatever base he felt they would have reached.

Hope this helps!

Brian