Reply To: Third Base coach fields a slow roller in foul territory but…

This is interference.  Batter/Runner is ruled out, and any other runners return.  Offensive team members (including base coaches, the on deck batter, bullpen personnel in on-field bullpens, etc.) must vacate any area needed for the defense to field a ball, and may not do anything which hinders the fielder’s attempt to field the ball.  The fact that there was “no possible play” is irrelevant – the coach hindered the fielder’s ability to field a batted ball.  See OBR 6.01 (b) for reference.

 

If the ball was obviously foul with no chance of being caught, you would have nothing.  Since this batted ball had a chance to become fair and be fielded, it is interference.  The offense is also prohibited from intentionally deflecting the course of a foul ball which has the chance to become fair.