Interference on Double Play

sthomas13100 · June 18, 2014

I have seen this called differently depending on the day and the umpire. Fed rule set. R1 and less than 2 outs. Ground ball hit to F4, F4 to F6, runner does not slide and continues toward base up and directly at F6. F6 alters throw and overthrows 1B. F6 obviously altered his throw to go over the head of the retired runner. When the player asked the umpire if it was interference, he stated if he would have thrown it into his chest, then he could call interference. I am under the belief that the runner must legally slide of peel off into the outfield in order to avoid being called for interference. I wouldn't think encouraging the SS to throw at the runner is the best answer at JV level, pro ball........sure.

I'm not sure if I'm right or wrong, but could you please include rule or case to support answer.

Thank you!

VAUmp · June 18, 2014

If it is obvious that the throw was altered to not hit the retired runner, it is interference. Call the BR out as well. FED Rule 8-4-b-2

ART. 2 . . . Any runner is out when he:

a. runs more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged or to hinder a fielder while the runner is advancing or Âreturning to a base;

1. This is not an infraction if a fielder attempting to field a batted ball is in the runner's proper path and if the runner runs behind the fielder to avoid interfering with him.

2. When a play is being made on a runner or batter-runner, he establishes his baseline as directly between his position and the base toward which he is moving.

b. does not legally slide and causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play, or on a force play, does not slide in a direct line between the bases; or

1. A runner may slide in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making Âcontact or altering the play of the fielder.

2. Runners are never required to slide, but if a runner elects to slide, the slide must be legal. (2-32-1, 2) Jumping, hurdling, and leaping are all legal attempts to avoid a fielder as long as the fielder is lying on the ground. Diving over a fielder is illegal.

PENALTY: The runner is out. Interference is called and the ball is dead immediately. On a force-play slide with less than two outs, the runner is declared out, as well as the batter-runner. Runners shall return to the bases occupied at the time of the pitch. With two outs, the runner is declared out. The batter is credited with a fielder's choice.

noumpere · June 18, 2014

Get the FPSR DP here.

While the runner does not need to slide, if he does not slide he must run "away" from the fielder. (assuming he's reasonably close to the base -- there is a case play where the runner is "less than halfway" to second and is hit -- no interference)

sthomas13100 · June 18, 2014

I have read the "less than half way", but the runner was 10' or so from the bag and still standing. He actually stepped on second base standing up.

VA, I don't see the veer off or peel off in the rule you quoted. I think there in lies the confusion, some guys might see that as nothing and some guys call int. and get the double play.

grayhawk · June 18, 2014

I have read the "less than half way", but the runner was 10' or so from the bag and still standing. He actually stepped on second base standing up.

VA, I don't see the veer off or peel off in the rule you quoted. I think there in lies the confusion, some guys might see that as nothing and some guys call int. and get the double play.

This is the relevant section:

illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play

scrounge · June 18, 2014

I have read the "less than half way", but the runner was 10' or so from the bag and still standing. He actually stepped on second base standing up.

VA, I don't see the veer off or peel off in the rule you quoted. I think there in lies the confusion, some guys might see that as nothing and some guys call int. and get the double play.

This is the relevant section:

illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play

Ok...but is what he did "illegally altering"? I think that's the relevant question, and one I struggled with recently as well. Nearly identical situation, R1 comes into the base, hits F6 trying to turn the DP but it was on the last or next to last stride coming right into the base standing up. I let it go but have been second-thinking it ever since.

grayhawk · June 18, 2014

I have read the "less than half way", but the runner was 10' or so from the bag and still standing. He actually stepped on second base standing up.

VA, I don't see the veer off or peel off in the rule you quoted. I think there in lies the confusion, some guys might see that as nothing and some guys call int. and get the double play.

This is the relevant section:

illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play

Ok...but is what he did "illegally altering"? I think that's the relevant question, and one I struggled with recently as well. Nearly identical situation, R1 comes into the base, hits F6 trying to turn the DP but it was on the last or next to last stride coming right into the base standing up. I let it go but have been second-thinking it ever since.

FPSR - get two.

JaxRolo · June 18, 2014

Get 2 outs. Period.

grayhawk · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.

Thunderheads · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.

........UNLESS of course ..........

You have F6 getting the toss from F4 on the DP and he crosses the bag while catching the throw taking him to the right field side of second as he throws to F3. If BR has not slid and goes in standing up (in this situation) I think you'd get an argument ..... in this sitch, ...F4 has cleared the running path as he makes the throw

grayhawk · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.

........UNLESS of course ..........

You have F6 getting the toss from F4 on the DP and he crosses the bag while catching the throw taking him to the right field side of second as he throws to F3. If BR has not slid and goes in standing up (in this situation) I think you'd get an argument ..... in this sitch, ...F4 has cleared the running path as he makes the throw

Yes, the idea is to not be in the path of the throw. If going straight in standing up keeps the runner from altering the play, then no FPSR. Good clarification.

Thunderheads · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.

........UNLESS of course ..........

You have F6 getting the toss from F4 on the DP and he crosses the bag while catching the throw taking him to the right field side of second as he throws to F3. If BR has not slid and goes in standing up (in this situation) I think you'd get an argument ..... in this sitch, ...F4 has cleared the running path as he makes the throw

Yes, the idea is to not be in the path of the throw. If going straight in standing up keeps the runner from altering the play, then no FPSR. Good clarification.

It happened to me last season during a division rivalry varsity game ........... team turned the double play .....but yelled at me wanting INT ...."he's GOT TO SLIDE!" :no:

scrounge · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.

........UNLESS of course ..........

You have F6 getting the toss from F4 on the DP and he crosses the bag while catching the throw taking him to the right field side of second as he throws to F3. If BR has not slid and goes in standing up (in this situation) I think you'd get an argument ..... in this sitch, ...F4 has cleared the running path as he makes the throw

That was what threw me and still has me on the fence in my play....F6 caught it on 3B side of 2B but slid to his left, where R1 came in standing up. R1 didn't exactly try to get out of the way - but I'm not sure he could have as quick as F6 flashed past him. And I prob turned a little too quickly. PU was no help - heck, he didn't move from home when I went out on a line shot earlier in the game. All around an uncomfortable situation.

MPLSMatt · June 18, 2014

I call the FPSR the way you guys are discussing, but I share the concern that it isn't clearly stated in the rules. Many traveling leagues are now big on "a player is never required to slide" and coaches can't seem to understand that that doesn't mean that the kid can go in standing up and alter a play.

noumpere · June 18, 2014

That was what threw me and still has me on the fence in my play....F6 caught it on 3B side of 2B but slid to his left, where R1 came in standing up. R1 didn't exactly try to get out of the way - but I'm not sure he could have as quick as F6 flashed past him. And I prob turned a little too quickly. PU was no help - heck, he didn't move from home when I went out on a line shot earlier in the game. All around an uncomfortable situation.

It's the runner's responsibility to get out of the way of any kind of "normal" move -- even if F6 "flashes in front". Two outs.

(and by "normal" I'm trying to say for example if F6 is at the base, moves to his left, sees the runner peel off the 3b, f6 can't jump back across just to buy an out)

OHUMP · June 18, 2014

Had a similar situation with a kid doing a pop up slide one time. Luckily the throw was just by him when he popped up. Tried to explain what could of happened to the coach and just got the deer in headlights look and he said he was ok because he slid. Tried to tell him the slide was fine but the pop up slide could cause interference.

Rich Ives · June 18, 2014

I call the FPSR the way you guys are discussing, but I share the concern that it isn't clearly stated in the rules. Many traveling leagues are now big on "a player is never required to slide" and coaches can't seem to understand that that doesn't mean that the kid can go in standing up and alter a play.

Be careful - different rule sets have different requirements.

OBR: Just continuing to run is not interference and there is no DP for doing so.

MPLSMatt · June 18, 2014

Also, one other comment - the umpire who said "throw it into his chest" should be talked to or face some kind of consequence. That's a ridiculous answer for youth ball...

maven · June 18, 2014

Also, one other comment - the umpire who said "throw it into his chest" should be talked to or face some kind of consequence. That's a ridiculous answer for youth ball...

Yeah, that's a piece that stuck with me, too.

Please, all, remember that the FPSR and other "slide rules" are motivated by safety. A runner going in standing up right in front of a fielder throwing toward him is NOT safe. Penalize that behavior as severely as the rules permit.

The easiest FPSR call I ever made happened this season, when R1 not only went in standing up, but took out F6 with a shoulder into his gut. Coach was livid...with his runner!

ALStripes17 · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.
........UNLESS of course .......... You have F6 getting the toss from F4 on the DP and he crosses the bag while catching the throw taking him to the right field side of second as he throws to F3. If BR has not slid and goes in standing up (in this situation) I think you'd get an argument ..... in this sitch, ...F4 has cleared the running path as he makes the throw
Yes, the idea is to not be in the path of the throw. If going straight in standing up keeps the runner from altering the play, then no FPSR. Good clarification.
It happened to me last season during a division rivalry varsity game ........... team turned the double play .....but yelled at me wanting INT ...."he's GOT TO SLIDE!"

Remember that if it was INT, it does not matter if the defense turns the DP. The INT for FPSR is called when it happens, is immediately dead, and the penalty affects runners other than the played on runner and BR

JaxRolo · June 18, 2014

The bottom line is that Fed wants runners to slide in this situation, even though they don't require it. If a runner doesn't want to be in jeopardy of committing FPSR, then he should slide in a direct line. If the fielder is on or in front of the bag and the runner slides legally, then no interference should be called even if there is contact and he breaks up the DP attempt. This same latitude is not offered for players that go in standing up. If they decide not to slide, then they better peel off or they are in jeopardy of the FPSR call.

........UNLESS of course .......... You have F6 getting the toss from F4 on the DP and he crosses the bag while catching the throw taking him to the right field side of second as he throws to F3. If BR has not slid and goes in standing up (in this situation) I think you'd get an argument ..... in this sitch, ...F4 has cleared the running path as he makes the throw Yes, the idea is to not be in the path of the throw. If going straight in standing up keeps the runner from altering the play, then no FPSR. Good clarification. It happened to me last season during a division rivalry varsity game ........... team turned the double play .....but yelled at me wanting INT ...."he's GOT TO SLIDE!" :no:

once you see the int you call it. Don't wait to see if DP was turned. When you see the int there is no need to turn with the play.

JaxRolo · June 18, 2014

Sorry @ALStripes17 didn't see your post

ALStripes17 · June 18, 2014

Sorry @ALStripes17 didn't see your post

Affirmation is always nice to have haha

grayhawk · June 18, 2014

In Jeff's post, he didn't have interference. His point was that the defense was yelling out that the runner "has to slide" (which we know is wrong) and that they were bitching about a non-call when they turned the DP anyway.

JaxRolo · June 18, 2014

In Jeff's post, he didn't have interference. His point was that the defense was yelling out that the runner "has to slide" (which we know is wrong) and that they were bitching about a non-call when they turned the DP anyway.

:kisa$$:

johnnyg08 · June 18, 2014

I have seen this called differently depending on the day and the umpire. Fed rule set. R1 and less than 2 outs. Ground ball hit to F4, F4 to F6, runner does not slide and continues toward base up and directly at F6. F6 alters throw and overthrows 1B. F6 obviously altered his throw to go over the head of the retired runner. When the player asked the umpire if it was interference, he stated if he would have thrown it into his chest, then he could call interference. I am under the belief that the runner must legally slide of peel off into the outfield in order to avoid being called for interference. I wouldn't think encouraging the SS to throw at the runner is the best answer at JV level, pro ball........sure.

I'm not sure if I'm right or wrong, but could you please include rule or case to support answer.

Thank you!

Interference. He altered the play. Period.

Interference on Double Play

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