Is a delayed dead ball called when a spectator interferes with a batted ball in flight?

When a spectator interferes with a batted ball in flight, the correct ruling is that the ball is dead immediately. This is because spectator interference is treated as an external factor that disrupts the flow of play, and rules dictate that such interference halts the play rather than allowing the ball to remain live.

Calling the ball dead immediately helps ensure fair play, as it removes any potential advantage or disadvantage caused by the spectator's actions. Moreover, it allows the game to reset properly without confusion that might arise if the ball were to remain live despite an outside influence. This ruling is consistent across various levels of play, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game.