Runner interference while in contact with base - Baseball Rules Academy

This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 3 years ago by fishgrifff.

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- July 4, 2022 at 2:03 am
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fishgrifff
Participant

I have a runner on third – who returned to the bag once a pop up was hit just past the bag in foul ground. The fielder looking up to field the ball got tangled with the runner who was in contact with the bag. I ruled the runner had to give way to the fielder and thus imposed an interference call. The only time I thought a runner could remain on the base as a safe haven was during an infield fly.

Some thoughts?

fishgriff

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- - July 4, 2022 at 4:02 am
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  Daniel Wroblewski
  Participant
  
  According to OBR, seems it would be no interference (see below). The infield fly exception relates to being hit by the ball.
  
  Rule 6.01(a) Penalty for Interference Comment: A runner who
  is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to make
  a play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional or not.
  If, however, the runner has contact with a legally occupied base
  when he hinders the fielder, he shall not be called out unless,
  in the umpire’s judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on
  fair or foul territory, is intentional. I
  - July 4, 2022 at 10:57 am
    
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    fishgrifff
    Participant
    
    Thanks Daniel,
    
    I told the mgr that I would research it and it kept him in the game. So far all I got is the 6.01(a). A college umpire agreed with me but I don’t see a rule to support me.
    
    They lost 3-2 and it bugs me I may have cost them the game.

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