Runner interference question

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I've been wondering about this - - ball hit to short... runner going from second to third behind the SS who is fielding the ball.

SS then fumbles the play, bobbles the ball and steps back into the runner while trying to get control of the bobbled ball.

Still runner interference? SS is still bent over and ball is on the ground if that makes a difference in the call.

The umpire has to judge if the fielder was still in the act of making the initial play on the batted ball. As a rule of thumb, if the ball was still within "a step and a reach" of the fielder AND the fielder still had a chance to make an out, then the fielder is still protected from interference by the runner.

If the ball was further away than that, or if the umpire judges that the fielder purposely moved into the runner's path with the intent to impede her, rather than complete the initial play, then you have obstruction against the fielder.

This can be a tough call that might go either way. Whichever way you rule, you can bet that one team of the other will not be happy about it!