What is the official ruling if a ball hits a base runner?

The correct ruling when a batted ball hits a base runner is that the runner is safe unless they are out of the base path. In this scenario, the runner is considered to be a part of the game and if they are hit by a ball while they are properly running the bases, they generally do not incur an automatic out unless they have deviated from their base path to avoid the ball, which is considered interference.

It's important to understand that base runners have the right to occupy space on the field of play. If they remain within the base path and do not make any actions to interfere with the fielding of the ball, they will not be penalized. The ball remains live in this case, and the play continues unless another rule applies, such as the ball being declared dead for some reason.

This ruling encourages fair play and protects runners who are simply moving within the normal confines of the base paths.