Obstruction? Interference? Nothing?

Tallmadge Force Gold

Active Member
Joined
Jun 27, 2018
Messages
184
Reaction score
69
Points
28
Is this play obstruction by the shortstop? Interference by the runner? Or nothing?



Can the shortstop be considered in the act of fielding a batted ball even after the pitcher has fielded it?
 

daboss

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 18, 2014
Messages
816
Reaction score
603
Points
93
Location
Clark County Ohio (Southwest District)
Okay, after enlarging to full screen I see what happened here. I can see where an ump would call interference. It's a game incident that seems so innocent by nature but I believe the rules cover this type of play. This is one nobody likes. lol
 

yocoach

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jun 20, 2014
Messages
596
Reaction score
349
Points
63
Location
Youngstown, Oh.
The ball never passed the first defensive player able to make a play on the ball which was the pitcher in this case. Had the pitcher not deflected the ball and made the play, then it could have been interference. As daboss said, this is one of those plays that nobody wants to see happen but they do. Also, it's a judgement call by the umpire since they would have had to feel that the BR would have reached the base safely without running into the defensive player. In this case, nothing would be the call IMO.
 

BretMan2

TSZ/OFC Umpire in Chief
Joined
Jun 19, 2014
Messages
546
Reaction score
196
Points
43
This is obstruction. F6 isn’t in the act of fielding the batted ball, so she can’t impede the runner.

An obstructed runner can’t be put out between the two bases where she was obstructed. If it’s judged that she would have safely made third base, minus the obstruction, then she’s awarded third base. Otherwise, she’s placed back on second base (unless forced to third by another runner).
 
Top