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There is probably no need to change the rule anyway since it is an exceedingly rare event. However, I stand by my statement that a rule is better when it can be adjudicated empirically instead of forcing officials to gauge intent. Next time it may not be quite so obvious. That's why I expect the rule could very easily be changed.
My understanding is the rule is automatic and doesn't require umpire's judgement. NY decided the deflection off fielder wasn't intentional.
It shouldn't be changed because a team was the victim of bad luck. If the umps can't judge intent. Then players will start knocking the ball out of play on purpose
So you're saying you don't like the umps judging whether the intent was to knock the ball out of play on purpose or was an accident? You're change would then have the umps judge whether the runner would have scored and where the batter would end up. There's no getting around it, this is the simplest way to do it. BTW if a fielder throws a ball out of play the runners get two bases based on where the batter is, doesn't matter where the lead runner is.
It's too early for such comments. Apologize to the baseball gods immediately.
