If a batted ball hits an umpire or base runner, when is it ruled dead?

A batted ball that hits a base runner is ruled dead when it contacts that runner intentionally. This rule is grounded in the principle of fairness in the game. When a runner is hit by a fair batted ball while not occupying a base, it can impede the progression and strategy of the opposing team, so the ball is ruled dead to avoid ambiguity in play. The intent is to ensure that both teams have an equitable opportunity during the game without random interference from players.

In contrast, a ball that hits an umpire is typically considered live because umpires are part of the field of play. The same applies to batted balls that strike runners unintentionally while they are legally positioned. If the ball is deemed a foul ball, the ruling is also different, and the implications can vary significantly based on game context. Therefore, the specific condition involving intentional contact with a base runner results in the ball being ruled dead, clarifying the intentions of the game rules.