 So, what happens when a batted ball hits an umpire? This is similar to what happens when a runner gets hit by a batted ball and actually it's probably a little bit simpler. So if the ball touches an umpire in fair territory before it passes an infielder, this is other than the pitcher, then the ball is dead and the batter advances to first base without liability. So this means that the batter is actually credited with a single and the runners who are on base stay at the base they started on unless of course they are forced to advance as per the runner who is now on first base. And practically speaking the only time you're really going to see this is when an umpire happens to position himself in front of second base which generally happens when there's a runner on first. So if a batted ball or any ball really hits an umpire behind a fielder or if the ball bounces off of an infielder and into him then the ball is still alive and the play just continues. So obviously the umpire is going to try to get out of the way in this situation but depending on how the ball deflects off of him there's really no telling which team this would actually benefit. Oh and here's one more quick piece of trivia. How can a fly ball be caught by a fielder but the batter not be out? Well if there is a fly ball that bounces off of an infielder and then bounces off of an umpire or a runner and then the infielder catches the ball before it hits the ground then it is not considered to be a catch as in it is not an out but the ball will remain in play.