Ok so we are taking semester finals and I'm bored which is never good so I start thinking. It's amazing the things I talk myself into and out of when I have this much time on my hands.
Anyway - runner going to first on a bunt or dropped third strike. Catcher throws the ball to first but runner is in fair territory and hits him. This guy is out.
So my situation let's say there is a runner on third and hard shot right down the line and runner is going on contact. But as he's going home he veers inside the line and is now in fair territory. Third baseman comes up throwing to the plate but the throw hits the runner while in fair territory. Is he still out like the runner going to first?
I'm thinking he's not because it's a different situation since there isn't a running lane.
The 3 foot to each side of the baseline wouldn't factor in here since he isn't trying to avoid a tag.
It wouldn't be any different than a throw from the OF hitting a runner trying to go to third.
Would it matter if the runner threw his arms up when he saw the catcher raise his hands to catch the ball and gets hit?
See I had too much time on my hands.