Interference?

[TLH]

Last night at our Association meeting we had a discussion about the following situation, and I would appreciate some input: R1, no outs, batter hits ball to F4 who throws the ball to F6 for the start of a double play. F6 tags the bag and throws towards 1st base where the runner is hit in the chest with the ball, approximately 2/3rds the way between 1st and 2nd, running in the baseline. What do we have?

[Umpire in Chief]

If the runner did not make any intentional movement to cause the interference I've got nothing. If he intentionally interfered BR is out.

[TLH]

Thanks for the reply. We were split about 50/50 on this one.

[mstaylor]

I agree with Warren, unless he does something to get in the way intentionally then it is nothing.

[someoneinca]

Unless it is intentional, don't call interference. Runners do not have an obligation to disappear, just to not intentionally interfere.

[Umpire in Chief]

Unless it is intentional, don't call interference. Runners do not have an obligation to disappear, just to not intentionally interfere.

I like the way you put it.

[jjb]

These games would be a lot faster, if you could call a runner out for getting hit with a thrown ball.

[PeteBooth]

Last night at our Association meeting we had a discussion about the following situation, and I would appreciate some input: R1, no outs, batter hits ball to F4 who throws the ball to F6 for the start of a double play. F6 tags the bag and throws towards 1st base where the runner is hit in the chest with the ball, approximately 2/3rds the way between 1st and 2nd, running in the baseline. What do we have?

You said Last night at our Association meeting so I am assuming you mean HS.

Until this year FED had a case play similar to your sitch in which the ruling was LEGAL, HOWEVER,

That Case Play has since been removed.

Why!

I can only speculate. Perhpas there was a controversial ruling somewhere in the country concerning a runner coming into second base standing up AFTER being put out or the FED thought that the case ruling was UNCLEAR etc.

You say 2/3rds which obviously is more than 1/2 way.

Therefore in a FED game the runner is not required to slide, however, if he chooses not to he cannot alter the play either. If R1 made no attempt (AFTER being put out) to vacate the area he could be guilty of interference.

As I said, this is a grey area in FED since they took out the case Play.

Pete Booth

[jim knight]

When the runner from first was put out at second he now has to vacate... if the throw hits him you got a double play.

[PeteBooth]

When the runner from first was put out at second he now has to vacate... if the throw hits him you got a double play.

Not in a game played under OBR rules

OBR 7.09(e) Comment: If the batter or a runner continues to advance after he has been put out, he shall not by that act alone be considered as confusing, hindering or impeding the fielders.

You cannot expect runners to simply Vanish.

Now in FED as mentioned they had a case play similar to the OP, however, FED has since deleted this case play which would lead one to beleive that if a runner comes in standing up in a FED game they better vacate the area pretty quickly or be guilty of interference. Also, in FED if it is a Force play situation we get 2 for the price of one.

Pete Booth

[jim knight]

I am not expecting the runner to vanish... he is out. Continuing to advance is not a problem unless he interferes with a play. I'd say getting hit in the chest is just that.

Let me look at it from your angle for a bit... runner standing up going into second base, SS attempts to throw to first to get BR, ball hits runner in chest... Pete, I think you have an out at first as well...

[Dragon29]

I am not expecting the runner to vanish... he is out. Continuing to advance is not a problem unless he interferes with a play. I'd say getting hit in the chest is just that.

Let me look at it from your angle for a bit... runner standing up going into second base, SS attempts to throw to first to get BR, ball hits runner in chest... Pete, I think you have an out at first as well...

I think it depends upon the speed of the play and the quality of the throw - it's a definite HTBT sitch. Sometimes, you'd have nothing - other times, you'd have an out.

Just my :P

[mstaylor]

Jim, I don't disagree that the potential to get an out is there but you have to read the play. Don't automaticly call that interference. Once the runner is put out at second the runner should try to peel off if possible but he may not have time. Also you have to read the infielder. Does he have to throw straight down the line to make the play. Many times the F6 or F4 is moving over the bag to clear the runner. If he is beside the base on either side he may not need that lane to throw in. He may make a bad throw and hit the runner who has done nothing wrong. He may realize he isn't going to the DP and try to draw a RI call. The runner could actually get in the way if he peels off and the infielder is at that side of the bag.

There are a ton of things that can happen so there is no cut and dried answer to most interference calls.

[jim knight]

Mike... I agree... it helps to see the play / the way the OP read with the runner 2/3 of the way to second it makes me think the runner could have moved as to not get hit with the throw... that is the key for me, if he can avoid getting hit and does not then Im getting the BR as well.... if the runner cannot avoid being hit then maybe no double play... pure judgement on that one.

[mstaylor]

I won't disagree but I am going to give the runner the benefit of doubt. Remember that interference on a thrown ball has to be intentional, but that includes indifference equating to intention.