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Batted ball vs non- batted ball


Guest BigVic
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Guest BigVic

When calling interference or obstruction does it matter that the ball is coming from being batted versus a non batted ball.
If a runner going from 2nd to 3rd makes contact with a shortstop, and the shortstop is making a play on a batted ball versus the same situation where the shortstop is contacted (or causes the runner to deviate) by the runner from a ball is being relayed to him from The Outfield.

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For your play, (while running to third base, the runner from second collides with the shortstop, who is attempting to catch a loose ball, which is either a batted or thrown ball). Generally, this is:

Interference if the loose ball is a batted ball AND the shortstop is the fielder deemed to be the one entitled to field it (aka "protected");
Obstruction if the loose ball is not a batted ball or if the loose ball is a batted ball AND the shortstop is not protected.

Illustration of interference:  Rules Review - Running into the Wrong Fielder 
Capstone Case Play regarding obstruction vs interference:  Solution for Case Play 2014-4: Batter-Runner Obstruction 

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One fielder is "protected" when playing a batted ball.  In the first part of your OP,  F6 would be that "protected" fielder while making his play on either a ground or fly ball and the onus is on R2 to avoid him.  In the second part of your OP, the onus is on F6, while waiting on a thrown ball and not in possession of that ball (NFHS) or not in the immediate act of fielding a thrown ball (OBR) to not impede R2's progress, barring (spell check, please) any intent to interfere by R2.

 

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1 hour ago, Guest BigVic said:

When calling interference or obstruction does it matter that the ball is coming from being batted versus a non batted ball.
If a runner going from 2nd to 3rd makes contact with a shortstop, and the shortstop is making a play on a batted ball versus the same situation where the shortstop is contacted (or causes the runner to deviate) by the runner from a ball is being relayed to him from The Outfield.

Yes, it matters. Fielders have the unconditional right to field a batted ball unimpeded during their first attempt, or if the batted ball hasn't yet passed an infielder, not including the pitcher. They do not enjoy that same protection for any thrown ball, but a runner can be called for interference if the conditions are there.

Regarding obstruction, runners have the right to their established base path, and fielders can only block the runner with the ball, or when in the act of fielding a thrown ball (conditions vary with the rule set they're playing under).

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