On Deck Batter Interference?

[tankmjg24]

OBR rules with modifications, 19U league. Batter hits a pop fly foul into the on deck area. Both F2 and F5 merge on the ball. The on deck batter sees F2 coming and steps back out of his way, but makes contact with F5 who he does not see behind him. F5 lunges for the ball and it hits off his glove.

[maven]

The batter is out. 6.05(o)

 

Team members authorized to be on the field (including coaches and the ODB) must clear any area needed by a fielder who is fielding a batted ball. Intent to hinder not required.

 

Since the ODB hindered F5 who had a play on the ball, it's INT, the ball is dead, and the batter is out.

[Rich Ives]

Who did the umpire think was the one with a play on the ball?

[Thunderheads]

Who did the umpire think was the one with a play on the ball?

the one who touched it and made the attempt?

[maven]

Who did the umpire think was the one with a play on the ball?

 

As I read the play, the ODB avoided the wrong guy. INT.

[noumpere]

 

Who did the umpire think was the one with a play on the ball?

the one who touched it and made the attempt?

 

While that's logical, the question Rich asked is the question that needs to be asked to make the determination.

[umpcoachfather]

INT - nuff said. 

[Ump29]

Interference. No question.

[Rich Ives]

Interference. No question.

 

 

STILL need to know which fielder the umpire protected. Only then can we comment with any meaningful thoughts.

[noumpere]

 

Interference. No question.

 

 

STILL need to know which fielder the umpire protected. Only then can we comment with any meaningful thoughts.

 

I agree.  THat said, if F5 was hindered, and F5 still dove for the ball, then it's 95% certain F5 was (or should have been) the protected fielder.  IF F2 was proitected, then F2 should have made a play -- especially when F5 was hindered.

[tankmjg24]

F5 probably had a step on F2 in terms of being able to reach the ball.  It was one of those that both were trying their best to get to it. 

[millerforrest]

I am getting an "OUT".

[noumpere]

F5 probably had a step on F2 in terms of being able to reach the ball.  It was one of those that both were trying their best to get to it. 

It doesn't matter who is trying to get it.  It matters who the umpire thinks is the one most appropriate to get it.  And, if it's 50-50, then put F1 and F2 at the bottom of the list.