batted ball hits a rabbit

[mac266]

Yep, I saw it happen.  Is a rabbit considered a part of the field?  Do we leave it in play or rule some kind of interference???

[Rich Ives]

25 minutes ago, mac266 said:

Yep, I saw it happen.  Is a rabbit considered a part of the field?  Do we leave it in play or rule some kind of interference???

Unless something has changed recently- alive and in play.

[maven]

It depends. Was the rabbit hindering the ball? And, was it intentional?

[Senor Azul]

As far as I can find the NCAA is the only code that actually addresses this question in its rules:

2021-2022 NCAA rule 6-1g. If a thrown or batted ball that remains in live-ball territory accidentally hits a spectator, authorized on-field personnel or animal, the ball is live.

Note: If a pitched ball strikes a bird in flight or other animal on the playing field, the pitch is nullified, and play shall be resumed with the previous count.

Professional baseball has an interpretation that covers your question and according to the 2016 BRD the NFHS does not have any provision covering this and recommends that we treat the situation as the NCAA does--

From the 2021 Minor League Baseball Umpire Manual (p. 159):

If a batted or thrown ball strikes a bird in flight or other animal on the playing field, consider the ball alive and in play the same as if it had not touched the bird or animal. If a pitched ball strikes a bird in flight or other animal on the playing field the pitch is nullified and play shall be resumed with the previous count.

From the 2016 BRD (section 105, p. 88):

Play 80-105:  A batted ball hits a sea gull in left field. Ruling:  The ball is fair or foul depending on the position of the ball WHEN IT HITS THE GROUND OR THE FIELDER. Such a ball may be caught for an out.

[flyingron]

For your viewing enjoyment:  

 

[stevis]

That's what happens when it misses the left turn at Albuquerque.

[beerguy55]

Make hasenpfeffer.

[maven]

Wait: how tall was this rabbit?

[Mudisfun]

Play the bounce. There are no foreign objects in fair territory...

Missed it by hare?

Took a bad hop?

Now we're talking about having real rabbit ears?

 

[Jay R.]

20 hours ago, Rich Ives said:

Unless something has changed recently- alive and in play.

The rabbit or the ball?

[The Man in Blue]

For Play 80-105 cited in @Senor Azul's post ... the correct ruling is, of course, FOWL BALL!

[MT73]

Was the bunny hurt?

[The Man in Blue]

Yes, but it was just a hare-line fracture!  🤪