Batter-runner interference?

[default]

ASA scrimmage today, runners on 1st & 2nd, batter lays a pretty good sacrifice bunt down the 1st baseline, in fair territory. She accidentally kicks the ball when in fair territory. The batter is out, but the runners advanced to 2nd & 3rd. It wasn't really a difference maker in the game, so I let go. Honestly I can't say my catcher would have attempted to throw out the lead runner, but...
1) Can the runners advance in this type of situation, even though the batter-runner interfered with a possible on the lead runner.
2)If so, what's to prevent a design play like this in a squeeze situation for a go ahead run? (besides integry ofcourse)

 

[default]

Sorry about the duplicate thread, I can't figure out how the delete the duplicate. I guess that is what happens when you post from your phone.

 

[default]

99% sure the runners have to return to their original bases ...

 

[default]

When the batter-runner contacts the batted ball in fair territory (even by accident) it is interference. Not only is the B/R out, but the ball is immediately dead. Any other runners should be returned to the last base touched at the time of the interference (they can't advance on a dead ball).

Unless you have some freakishly fast runners, I'm assuming that they're both going back to first and second!

 

[default]

Here is one that I saw recently concerning interference.

Bases loaded; Come backer to the mound; Pitcher fields the ball and throws home forcing the runner out by 6'; the catcher turns to throw to first and pulls back her arm... the runner hits the catcher's hand with her helmet and the ball is weakly thrown toward first. I would say that the runner didn't intentionally hit her hand and the catcher was on the third base side of the plate.

The umpire called out the runner coming from third on the force and then called out the batter/runner going to first on the interference.

Was this the right call?

 

[default]

IF this really was interference, then the wrong penalty was applied.

When a retired runner interferes with the defense's opportunity to make a play, then the penalty is for the runner closest to home to be called out. With the bases loaded, that certainly isn't going to be the batter-runner.

I would question if this was even really interference to begin with. If the runner coming home was out by just six feet, that's probably less than two strides. A runner has every right to be advancing directly to the base she's trying to reach and there's no rule that's says she can't remain on her feet when doing that.

You can't reasonably expect a runner to instantly vanish the split-second she's put out, or to go from full speed to a dead stop in six feet. The fielder has to realize that there's a runner legally advancing the bases right in her proximity and adjust her position or throw accordingly.

Interference is going to be a judgment call on this play. If the runner did anything other than legally advance to the base, then interference becomes a more likely call. If the runner was put out further away from the base and had ample time to take evasive action, but didn't, or if the runner altered her path toward the fielder in an attempt to impede her play, or purposely swatted at the fielder's hand, or deliberately crashed into the fielder...now you probably have interference.

Just from the description, without seeing it myself, I'm having a hard time picturing that the runner did anything to warrant an interference call.

 

[default]

Bretman
The runner was just finishing her run, she didn't run out of the baseline nor even make a move to interfere, in fact ducked her head in an attempt to avoid contact. The runner was running, the catcher brought her hand back and contact was made. If the runner had taken the catchers feet out from under her by sliding; I don't think that any penalty could be called. I thought it was the wrong call at the time, but as always, may be there is another explanation. I think the umpire blew it.