S-storm tonight on my Runner Lane Interference call

[johnnyg08]

OBR rules set: S-storm tonight when Batter bunt out in front of the plate, runs the entire way to 1B in fair territory as the quality throw from F1 hits the batter/runner and scoots into foul territory.

I call, "Time, that's Interference, He's out" (no runners on base)

And I nearly had an EJ from skipper who had an out on the exact same play last year (as he described it). I nicely told him that he may want to consider instructing his base runners to try a legal path to 1B.

The skipper didn't understand that yes the runner has to go into fair territory to touch 1B, BUT by proper rule interpretation batter/runner can't run the entire way in fair territory and then expect protection to touch the base.

Lesson to new umpires: It is a lot more fun to argue when you know you're right.

PBUC:

The lines marking the three-foot lane are part of that "lane," but the interpretation to be made is that a runner is required to have both feet within the three-foot lane or on the lines marking the lane. If the runner straddles either boundary line running the last forty-five feet to first base, he is outside the lane. The batter is permitted to exit the three-foot lane by means of a step, stride, reach or slide in the immediate vicinity of first base for the sole purpose of touching first base. However, a batter-runner who runs to first base in fair territory and ignores the three-foot lane violates the spirit of the rule and would be put out if he interferes with the fielder any distance from first base.

[Fittske24]

Nice call. It does feel great when you have the rules knowledge to back up your rule enforcement. I only have one suggestion.....

I nicely told him that he may want to consider instructing his base runners to try a legal path to 1B.

I wouldn't use statements like these to a coach/manager. It can come off like you are implying that he is cheating or in a post ejection follow up report he could say you bated him with that type of statement.

[johnnyg08]

I wouldn't use statements like these to a coach/manager. It can come off like you are implying that he is cheating or in a post ejection follow up report he could say you bated him with that type of statement.

I agree with you. I have known this skipper for 20 years, so this was an exception to how I would normally handle it. (which I didn't mention in the OP since it wasn't relevant to the play)

[umpcoachfather]

Good job - it's not called around here,I called it in babe ruth game several years ago and my partner questioned me on it after the inning. I showed him the case and rule after the game and he said "why didnt they go over this in class?" Me "Take the book and read it, here's my email and phone number call me with any questions" ughh.

[Welpe]

I haven't called this much, maybe only two or three times but one of my few manager ejections was a result of calling this interference. I would have had it last week on a D3K but the F2 airmailed the ball into right field.

[johnnyg08]

I haven't called this much, maybe only two or three times but one of my few manager ejections was a result of calling this interference. I would have had it last week on a D3K but the F2 airmailed the ball into right field.

Wasn't a FED game was it?