Rules Question

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Had this happen in our game today with the Lasers Gray... 2 outs runner on 2nd .. after the pitch our catcher throws the ball straight to the SS (to pick the runner off in her lead) who was positioned in the baseline (or very close to it - maybe a step behind) - SS and runner collide as the ball gets to the SS - SS drops ball - umpire calls runner interference - out.

Question is... does fielder have right to the ball in this instance as called?

If SS stepped forward and collided with the runner as she was moving - it that different from SS standing still and runner running into her. How does basepath affect the call and position of the fielder?

Bretman? Others?

 

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There isn't a simple answer to that one.

If the umpire felt that the runner did not take a direct path back to the base and initiated contact with the fielder, then runner interference is correct. The fielder would get some room to take the throw.

If the fielder was blocking the baseline without the ball, then obstruction would be more appropriate. Obstruction doesn't get called until the runner has to alter her path to avoid contact.

Given that the runner has options (left or right side of bag, slide or not) and the fielder has to go to the ball, I can see how the umpire gave the fielder the advantage, especially if your statement "SS drops ball" is accurate. It would sound like the ball was there, and the SS had the right to be in the base path.

 

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SS was positioned directly between 2nd/3rd .. close to the baseline, prob 1 step behind it. Throw was right at her - runner came from 2nd - taking her lead and they collided pretty much as the ball arrived to the SS - all three came together at the same time - maybe the ball hit the SS glove just before the collision - I'm not exactly sure. Fielder collided with the back of the right shoulder of the runner as she was coming towards her... this occured right between the bases - not at a base.. throw was to SS where she was positioned...

 

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As described, I would not have interference. I'm assuming that the runner was doing nothing more than trying to get directly back to the base.

The only way I could envision an interference call would be if I judged that the runner did "something extra"- something besides just going to the base- like alter her path to purposely contact the fielder, knock down the ball, or separate the ball from the fielder.

And, if the runner was going straight to the bag, but was contacted before the fielder had possession of the ball, obstruction would be a valid call.

 

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Runner was still taking her lead in the direction of third base. Fielder stepped up - straight to the ball and they collided. I can't exactly recall if the fielder stepped into the runner or the runner advanced into the fielder ...

 

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This is totally different from a batted ball, where the fielder has the 100% absolute right of way. While trying to get a thrown ball, and before securing possession, the fielder is not protected if she's in the runner's way.

 

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Sounds like this might be similar to where a runner and fielder collide in a rundown (or "pickle"). As I understand it, the fielder must always yield to the runner unless the fielder has possession and control of the ball - in which case the runner would be out on a tag.

 

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No way is the play described interference unles the runner went out of their way to collide with the SS. In this case if the SS was in the baseline without the ball and hindered the runner it is obstruction.

Example, throw takes a fielder into the baseline and the result is a collision with a baserunner. There is no call.

 

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I would call obstruction, no different than a catcher blacking the plate before they receive the throw. as a coach, I would argue either way if my team came up on the short side of the call.

 

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I would call obstruction, no different than a catcher blacking the plate before they receive the throw. as a coach, I would argue either way if my team came up on the short side of the call.

A TRUE coach...LOL Argue the call either way. :lmao:

But, that is what you are suppose to do if you are a coach.

 

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Sounds like this might be similar to where a runner and fielder collide in a rundown (or "pickle"). As I understand it, the fielder must always yield to the runner unless the fielder has possession and control of the ball - in which case the runner would be out on a tag.

If you are a runner in a run down ... "reach out and touch someone" is NOT just a catch phrase for a telephone company.

 

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A TRUE coach...LOL Argue the call either way. :lmao:

But, that is what you are suppose to do if you are a coach.

That's what I did - and he ruled that the runner interfered with the fielders opportunity to make a play on the ball. I was surprised .. he did stop and take 15 secs to think about it - then he ruled as he did. He has been umpiring for over 30 years, not that that makes him perfect but I thought he had it right. Eric and Steve argued the other side of course, and looking at Bretmans reply they were right ... either way, this was a friendly and it was not a big deal in that regard.. the next inning one of the Lasers parents came to him and told him they looked it up and he was right on the call... it's why I am not am umpire!

 

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the next inning one of the Lasers parents came to him and told him they looked it up and he was right on the call...

Pretty good chance that someone who has to grab a rule book and look it up doesn't know the rule and likely was either reading the wrong rule or not understanding how the rule is interpreted.

I would be really interested to know what rule the parent read and how they think it is applied.

 

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"Rule #1, if my daughter is involved I will interpret the rule in her favor".

I'll argue Rule #1 until I die and fight anybody in the parking lot who says otherwise.

 

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If I read and understood correctly (ASA assuming), Rule 8, section 7.J

When a runner interferes:

1. With a fielder attempted to field a batted fair ball or a fou ball, or
2. With a fielder attempting to throw the ball, or
3. With a thrown ball