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 center fielder Victor Robles. This gave the Angels a 3-1 lead which proved to be the final score. Angels third base coach Eric Young Jr. followed both runners to the plate.

I received the following questions: If the ball was to bounce off the runner or the catcher and hit Young Jr., what would be the call? Or if Young Jr. lost site of the catcher or pitcher backing up home and ran into either one what would be the call?

Ruleball Comments

1. Although it’s unusual for the third base coach to run that far to the plate, as long as he did not physically assist the runner or impede the defensive team from making a play, there would be no violation.

2. If the third base coach lost site of the catcher or pitcher and he impeded or hindered either one of them while in the act of making a play, interference could be called, and the runner being played on would be out. Young Jr. almost interfered with M’s pitcher Trent Thornton who was backing up on the play and pursuing the ball. In my opinion, if he did, the umpires would have called Neto out. Drury had already scored a legal run which could not be erased.

3. Remember, interference for a runner or a coach should only be called if the defensive team was impeded or hindered while in the act of making a play which is always umpire judgment.

4. When the third base coach gets that close to a play at the plate, nothing good can happen and the risk for interference is high.  In my opinion, if the throw bounced off Young Jr., the umpires

could have ruled interference if they determined Young Jr. impeded the M’s from completing the play.

5. The base coaches are most vulnerable to interference calls when there is a fly ball to one of the corner infielders and the base coach refuses or makes no attempt to avoid the fielder who is attempting to make a play.

6. If a runner collides with a base coach and there was no intent to physically assist the runner, no interference should be called.

7. The umpires could have ruled interference if they determined the actions of Young Jr. impeded the M’s from completing the play.

8. If the ball bounced off the runner and made contact with the third base coach, in my opinion, interference could be called if it prevented the defensive team from making a play.

Rich Marazzi

Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Mets, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.