Kicked Dropped 3rd Strike?

[daave266]

So during my DD's game today the other team was up to bat and there was a dropped 3rd strike, the batter took off and kicked the ball up the 1st base line with her. Now, I was sitting behind the OF fence, so no way to tell if it was on purpose or not, highly doubt it.

But I am curious what the rule is for kicking a dropped third strike? I figure if it's obvious she did it on purpose it's interference, but is it just a bad bounce if it happens any other way?

 

[jackfrost]

USA Softball Rule 8.2.F.6. The batter-runner is out when the batter runner interferes with a dropped 3rd strike. [intention is no not mentioned in the book]. Therefore, what you described should have been called an out on the batter-runner for interference.

 

[flash277]

This almost happened in DD's game yesterday.....a runner on first, a wild pitch bounces off backstop and almost hit batter, now if that ball did hit batter in the box?....Outside the box?

 

[The Man In Blue]

@flash277 ... what is interesting with that play is that most rules are applicable to certain “statuses”, i.e., a batted ball or a thrown ball.

The interference references in USA Softball refer to a thrown ball (must be intentional) and a play at the plate (does not have to be intentional).

I’d say you have nothing In USA Softball, in or out of the box, as it is not a thrown ball and there was not a play at the plate.