When Basepaths Collide: Understanding Runner Interference and Baseball’s “Right of Way”
I once read that car accidents are often caused by a driver who didn’t see the other driver. I’m sure in some situations, neither driver saw the other. This is true in the game of baseball when a runner impedes a defensive player from making a play or a defensive player hinders a runner who…
Obstruction Call Attempt Sparks Benches-Clearing Chaos in White Sox vs Orioles
The White Sox and Orioles played at Camden Yards on May 31, 2025, when a runner attempted to initiate an obstruction call. In the bottom of the fourth, the O’s had Ryan O’Hearn on second when Coby Mayo singled to left field. Joshua Palacios fielded the ball and fired home. The ball was cut off…
September 2024 Baseball Rules Question and Answer
QUESTION #1 Minor League game…There’s a runner on third. Following the pitch to the batter the runner walked back toward third base but never touched the base. For some reason, he went around the base toward left field and never retouched third base as he retook his lead. Is this a violation? Can the defensive…
When Runner Interference Changes to Obstruction
The Nationals and Orioles played at Camden Yards on Aug. 14, 2024. In the bottom of the seventh, Ryan O’Hearn was batting facing Jacob Barnes with Jackson Holliday on first and Coby Mayo on second and one out. O’Hearn hit a shot that deflected off the thigh of Barnes. The ball rolled to the foul…
Two Runner Interference Plays in 2024
Runner Interference Rule with Infield Fly Rule For the third time this season, there was a runner interference call in the middle of an Infield Fly rule play. The Mariners and Red Sox played at Fenway on July 31, 2024. With one out and runners at first and second in the bottom of the seventh…
Third Base Coach Interference?
The Mariners hosted the Angels on July 22, 2024. In the top of the ninth with the score tied 1-1, the Angels had Brandon Drury on second and Zach Neto on first with two outs when Jo Adell singled to center field. Both runners scored. Neto advanced home because of a throwing error by M’s…
Teammate Illegally Assists Runner
The A’s and Angels played in Anaheim on June 26, 2024. In the top of the second, the A’s had runners on first and second with two outs when Max Schuemann doubled home two runs. Unfortunately for the A’s, only one run counted. After going back to touch the plate, Bacon pointed at McCann and…
Runner Interference Call Changed to Fielder Obstruction
The Rays and Mariners played at T-Mobile Park on July 2, 2023. In the bottom of the third inning, the M’s had Ty France on second base and one out, when Teoscar Hernández hit a ground ball that Rays’ third baseman Isaac Paredes charged in on. France, on his way to third, collided with Paredes…
Runner’s Lane Interference in Mets vs Astros
The Mets and Astros played at Minute Maid on June 21st. In the top of the first inning the Mets had the bases loaded and no outs when Pete Alonso tapped back to pitcher Cristian Javier. Javier threw home to catcher Martín Maldonado for the force at home and Maldonado fired wildly past first baseman…