FWIW, whiffs = untouched and "had a play" = "chance of retiring a runner."In the scenario I proposed, F4 was closer to the ball (edge of grass RCF), but was not able to get to it either. F6 was further away, AND collided with R1 and in no way could be protected from INT.Was F6 the one that could field the ball first? If not, I'm looking for a case where the fielder is the primary fielder going after the ball, has no chance to catch it on the fly nor to retire anyone once they get it. Are they protected going after the fair batted ball or do they need to stay out of the way of runners because they don't have a play?
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There is no guarantee for any/all defenders to be protected for INT, this would enable chaos by all 9 players going after the ball. But there is a maximum of one player.
Okay, I already understood that only 1 fielder can have the right-of-way to field a batted ball and your examples seem to focus on additional players that do not. I'm trying to determine if there are cases where no fielder has the right-of-way to field a fair batted ball because none have an opportunity to make an out.
Incomplete question. But what I think you are asking is if F4 changes direction to field the batted ball, and is hindered by R1, then yes, R1 would be guilty of INT.For example, R1 on 1B, no outs and push bunt goes between F1/F3 because neither one could reach it. F4 was initially going to cover 1B and changes course because she is primary fielder to get ball. If F4 won't have a play when they get to the ball, does she need to stay out of R1's way or does she have the right-of-way?
Okay, although I don't see what's missing. This seems to indicate a play (i.e. opportunity to make an out) is NOT required while fielding a batted ball for INT to be called.
You’re getting your money’s worth tonight… Yeah, I feel so guilty about it that I'll pay double...Bonus situation:
F5 charges a slow roller to the 5-6 hole and whiffs on it. F6 was also going after the ball and a runner collides with her after F5 whiffed. Is it OBS because F5 was the primary fielder or would it be INT if F6 had a play?
There is not enough detail in your question to give a definitive answer, but this could be INT on R if it was judged that F6 had a chance of retiring a runner sans the collision. Assuming we have an untouched batted ball in the process of being fielded by F6.
Thanks x 2.