Retired Runner, OBR

[LRZ]

The FED retired runner thread reminded me of something: when a retired runner continues to run the bases, what more can constitute "confusing, hindering or impeding"? The lack of any guidance about what more is necessary has always puzzled me.

The Comment to Rule 6.01(a)(5) states, "If the batter or a runner continues to advance [now, amended to include returns to a base] after he has been put out, he shall not by that act alone be considered as confusing, hindering or impeding the fielders." OK, I get that, but what kinds of acts have folks here encountered that would satisfy this standard?

[maven]

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but it seems as if the question is about examples of retired runner INT.

Intentional actions, like knocking the ball out of glove, deliberately standing in front of a fielder waiting for a throw, waving arms in order to contact a thrown ball: these should all draw a call of INT, even if a retired runner is continuing to run the bases.

[grayhawk]

Additionally, cutting across the infield and hindering the defense is not to be considered continuing to run the bases.

[LRZ]

1 hour ago, maven said:

I'm not sure exactly what you're asking, but it seems as if the question is about examples of retired runner INT.

Intentional actions, like knocking the ball out of glove, deliberately standing in front of a fielder waiting for a throw, waving arms in order to contact a thrown ball: these should all draw a call of INT, even if a retired runner is continuing to run the bases.

Yes and no. Wouldn't those acts be interference, regardless of a retired runner still running the bases? If so, that would make the "retired runner running the bases" language superfluous, wouldn't it?

What I'm trying to understand is: running the bases + X = interference. What might X be?

I've always understood 6.01(a)(5) to mean running plus something more can constitute interference, not just that the "something more" can itself be sufficient. Or am I reading into 6.01(a)(5) an equation of running + X that isn't really there?

[maven]

1 hour ago, LRZ said:

What I'm trying to understand is: running the bases + X = interference. What might X be?

One example:

x = "retired runner runs into the midst of an ongoing rundown on another runner"

That's more than "merely" ("that act alone") continuing to run the bases.