What is the ruling if the backswing of a batter hits the catcher while attempting to throw out a runner?

When determining the ruling related to a batter hitting the catcher during their backswing, the key aspect is understanding how such contact affects the game. When the backswing of the batter makes contact with the catcher who is attempting to throw out a runner, this typically results in interference.

In this scenario, the batter is ruled out due to this interference. The rationale behind this ruling is that the batter's action has obstructed the catcher’s ability to make a legal play on the runner. Consequently, the runner that was in motion at the time of the interference is sent back to the base they occupied prior to the infraction—usually first base, if they were attempting to steal.

This decision is consistent with the rules governing interference in baseball, which aim to maintain fair play and ensure that defenders can execute their plays without undue obstruction from the batter. Therefore, the outcome is that the batter is called out, and the runner returns to their original base.