Baserunner hit by batted ball?

Question

I know that if a baserunner is hit by a batted ball he is out and the batter is given a single. But what happens if a runner is standing on a base when the ball hits him? Is he still out, or what? Does the base make him safe? If so how is the play scored?

Answer 1

First, let's get the rule right. The runner isn't always out when hit by a fair batted ball. He is out only if the ball has not passed an infielder other than the pitcher or if the ball has passed an infielder other than the pitcher and another infielder has a play.

He is not out if the ball has touched an infielder, including the pitcher, if he did not interfere deliberately.

No base is a safe haven, except when the batted ball is an infield fly. So if, with the infield fly not in effect, the runner is hit while touching a base, he is liable to be out, subject to the above conditions.

Furthermore, a runner is not out if he is hit with a fair batted ball while in foul territory. Nor is the runner out if he's hit with a fair batted ball that has touched an umpire

Answer 2

He is not safe just because he is on the base, (unless he is hit on an infield fly) exception 7.08f

But runner is not always out when hit by a batted ball. Not if the ball was deflected by a fielder, or if it had already passed an infielder and no other infielder had a play. Play on. 7.09k


edit -- toodeemo, when the ball is dead (as you noted it was when a runner is on base) then the batter cannot be thrown out.

Answer 3

Dana is correct - the runner is out, regardless of whether or not he's touching the base. As long as you get hit while in fair territory on a non-infield fly, you're out and the play is dead.

Answer 4

If he's on a base or in foul territory, it's a dead ball. If he's on a base, batter can try to get to first but can be thrown out.