Baseball Rule: Runner Hit by Ball on the Ground - Safe or Out?

Question
Hi Brian,

Hope this one hasn't been asked before:

A runner standing on third is hit by a hard hit ball down the line (not on the fly).

I understand a runner is only safe when hit by a ball if the ball previously went "through" a fielder and no fielder behind him has a play on the ball.

I wonder, however, if it makes any difference if the runner is ON the bag or if the third baseman did not have a prayer of making a play on it.

I can't seem to find a clear answer in the rules...

Thanks very much!
Phil.

Answer
Phil,

If a runner is on a base, and unintentionally hinders a fielder, then he will not be called out and the batter will not be called out.  However, if a fair ball hits him before passing the infielder (regardless of if the fielder has a play or not) he is out no matter if he is on a base or not.

Hope this helps!

Brian