In the case of a wild throw to third base, what happens if the bat boy intentionally touches the ball?

If a bat boy intentionally touches the ball after a wild throw to third base, the ball is immediately ruled dead. This is a crucial aspect of the rules regarding interference in baseball. The reason for this ruling is to maintain the integrity of the game and ensure that no outside interference alters the course of play.

When a player or an individual affiliated with a team, like a bat boy, intentionally touches a live ball, it disrupts the ongoing play and warrants a dead ball call. This action can prevent players from making plays on the ball and can lead to confusion or unfair advantages. For this reason, the game stops, and the situation is handled according to league rules, which generally dictate that the ball is considered dead the moment an unauthorized person interacts with it. Thus, the correct response reflects the necessity to control the game environment and maintain fairness during play.