Interference by runner that scored?

[AirForceBlue]

Third year LL ump here. Saw a situation in a travel ball game that got me thinking.

Runners on 1st and 2nd. Batter hits a double into the RF gap. Batter drops bat 3' in front of HP. R2 scores cleanly, loops around to the left and goes into fair territory to pick up bat. Relay throw comes home to try and put out R1.

Throw home is late and there wouldn't have been a play at home to speak of, but the throw almost hits R2 as he's picking up the bat. R2 never saw the ball almost hit him and the catcher was able to field the throw despite R2 being in the way. No one seemed to notice or mind, but it got me thinking:

What if the throw had hit R2? What if it interfered with the catcher making the play at home? What if R2 had shielded the catcher from fielding the throw?

Interference? I looked at the rule book and all the situations apply to a BR or a runner. This kid was no longer a runner, right?

AFB

[mstaylor]

In this situation he would be considered "another teamate." This would be either a retired runner, a scored runner or an on deck batter. They are an authorized person to be on the field. With all that said, he still can't interfere and if by being in the grass getting a bat causes an interference then the ball is dead and you call the runner closest to home out.

[scobes7]

As the plate umpire...I always clear the bat while keeping an eye on the field.

Pretty simple to grab it with your head up and toss it between your legs.

[Umpire in Chief]

Yes this is a "death penalty" situation. You obviously can no longer call out the interfering person, so you get the person closest to home. Be ready for a chat with your friendly neighborhood offensive coach.

[scobes7]

Yes this is a "death penalty" situation. You obviously can no longer call out the interfering person, so you get the person closest to home. Be ready for a chat with your friendly neighborhood offensive coach.

I can already hear the conversation.....LOl:nod:

[Stan W.]

I can already hear the conversation.....LOl:nod:

But it will or should be a relatively short conversation.....:agasp_:

[AirForceBlue]

Thanks. I thought the call would be interference, runner out.

[scobes7]

But it will or should be a relatively short conversation.....

This is a true statement..:wave: