Runner interference after an error

[Guest Todd Celuch]

An infielder has the opportunity to field a ground ball, but does not field it cleanly and the ball dribbles away from him. As the fielder is going to pick it up, the baserunner makes contact with the fielder and is called out for runner interference. Can there be runner interference on this play after the fielder touches the ball initially?

[Jimurray]

10 minutes ago, Guest Todd Celuch said:

An infielder has the opportunity to field a ground ball, but does not field it cleanly and the ball dribbles away from him. As the fielder is going to pick it up, the baserunner makes contact with the fielder and is called out for runner interference. Can there be runner interference on this play after the fielder touches the ball initially?

Yes, in OBR and NCAA. If the ball is within his immediate reach either right at the misplay or when he has reached the misplayed ball further away. If he is in the process of chasing a misplayed ball and it is not within his immediate reach the fielder would be guilty of obstruction. A "step and a reach" is given as guidance for this.

[maven]

There can be, but not necessarily. The fielder is protected while playing  a batted ball within a step and a reach of his initially contacting it. If he has to move more than that, then he loses his protection and is liable to be called for obstruction.

It is umpire judgment if the misplayed ball was still in the fielder's immediate vicinity, thus preserving protection.

Contact between a runner and fielder on a batted ball is almost always something (INT or OBS), seldom nothing.

[Jimurray]

2 minutes ago, maven said:

There can be, but not necessarily. The fielder is protected while playing  a batted ball within a step and a reach of his initially contacting it. If he has to move more than that, then he loses his protection and is liable to be called for obstruction.

It is umpire judgment if the misplayed ball was still in the fielder's immediate vicinity, thus preserving protection.

Contact between a runner and fielder on a batted ball is almost always something (INT or OBS), seldom nothing.

He loses his protection in FED but can reestablish it in OBR and NCAA.

[Rich Ives]

4 hours ago, Jimurray said:

He loses his protection in FED but can reestablish it in OBR and NCAA.

Cite please

[JaxRolo]

He loses his protection in FED but can reestablish it in OBR and NCAA.

You sure?

[Jimurray]

23 minutes ago, Rich Ives said:

Cite please

OBR, just an old BRD, NCAA by rule.

[Jimurray]

12 minutes ago, JaxRolo said:

You sure?

NCAA, yes. OBR slightly sure. What are you sure of?

[JaxRolo]

NCAA, yes. OBR slightly sure. What are you sure of?

Not much these days! lol

[noumpere]

8 hours ago, Jimurray said:

OBR, just an old BRD, NCAA by rule.

I remember that this was a bit of a controversy at the NCAA level several years back. Some said something like "another fielder can be protected on a deflected ball.  So, why shouldn't that protection also apply to the original fielder, once he gets back to the ball and is again fielding it?"

Others countered with "he had his chance and each fielder only gets one bite at the apple."

NCAA clarified to the former.  I don't think they would have done so without guidance from OBR.

[Senor Azul]

From the 2016 Baseball Rules Differences by Carl Childress (section 345, p. 227)

NCAA:  If a fielder misplays a batted ball, when the ball remains within his immediate reach or within “a step and a reach,” the fielder is still considered in the act of fielding the ball. (2-51 AR 3; 2-55 AR 3)

ALSO:  If the fielder “must chase after the ball,” a runner’s contact with the fielder is obstruction. (2-51 AR 4)

ALSO:  If a fielder chases after a deflected ball and is in the act of picking it up, contact between runner and fielder is interference. If the fielder is chasing the ball and contact occurs, obstruction is the call. (2-51 AR 5)

NCAA Official Interpretation: PARONTO (1/3/04):  If contact occurs between a runner and a fielder attempting to field a batted ball, it must be either interference or obstruction. There is no “incidental contact.”

[kylejt]

That last reference is one that many forget. It's got to me something.

Some like to say "Well, both were doing what they're supposed to do........." which usually translates to " I have no idea what just happened, and no clue how to make that call".

Although the "step and a reach" is a fantastic guideline that I teach and endorse, I don't think we should be quoting that to an inquiring manager, as opposed to " I judged him to be still fielding that ground ball".

[Senor Azul]

From the 2016 BRD (section 345, p. 227):

FED:  When a fielder muffs a batted ball and he must move to re-field it, if contact occurs in the base path, the umpire will protect the runner unless the official declares deliberate interference.

NFHS rule 8-4-2  Any runner is out when he…

g. intentionally interferes with a throw or a thrown ball; or he hinders a fielder on his initial attempt to field a batted ball. A fielder is not protected, except from intentional contact if he misplays the ball and has to move from his original location; or his being put out is prevented by an illegal act by anyone connected with the team (2-21-1, 3-2-2, 3) or by the batter-runner; for runner returning to base (8-2-6); and for runner being hit by a batted ball (8-4-2k). If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner including the batter-runner interferes in any way and prevents a double play anywhere, two shall be declared out (the runner who interfered and the other runner involved). If a retired runner interferes, and in the judgment of the umpire, another runner could have been put out, the umpire shall declare that runner out. If the umpire is uncertain who would have been played on, the runner closest to home shall be called out;

[Jimurray]

9 minutes ago, Senor Azul said:

From the 2016 Baseball Rules Differences by Carl Childress (section 345, p. 227)

 

NCAA:  If a fielder misplays a batted ball, when the ball remains within his immediate reach or within “a step and a reach,” the fielder is still considered in the act of fielding the ball. (2-51 AR 3; 2-55 AR 3)

 

ALSO:  If the fielder “must chase after the ball,” a runner’s contact with the fielder is obstruction. (2-51 AR 4)

 

ALSO:  If a fielder chases after a deflected ball and is in the act of picking it up, contact between runner and fielder is interference. If the fielder is chasing the ball and contact occurs, obstruction is the call. (2-51 AR 5)

 

NCAA Official Interpretation: PARONTO (1/3/04):  If contact occurs between a runner and a fielder attempting to field a batted ball, it must be either interference or obstruction. There is no “incidental contact.”

 

Does your current BRD continue with "point not covered" for OBR but references a PBUC interp that protects the fielder if he gets within "immediate reach" of the deflected ball?