Was the call correct?

Phathead said:

Comp.quick question on this. I thought (dangerous) there was a rule implemented about not sliding into second on DP attempts. With the helment facemask in place some runners were staying upright willing to take the shot. I'm not talking about anything other than staying vertical in the basepath.

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Had this scenario come up twice in 2 consecutive 1/2 innings in a JV game last week.

1-out, Runner on 1B, Ball hit to SS, SS throw to 2B for force out, Runner from 1B remains upright coming into 2B, Umpire calls Interference on Runner, Batter-Runner also out. Inning over.

corlay said:

Had this scenario come up twice in 2 consecutive 1/2 innings in a JV game last week.

1-out, Runner on 1B, Ball hit to SS, SS throw to 2B for force out, Runner from 1B remains upright coming into 2B, Umpire calls Interference on Runner, Batter-Runner also out. Inning over.

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Is it mere fact that the runner doesn't slide that makes it interference, or is it that fact that her not sliding interferes with the fielder's ability to make a throw to 1B that makes it interference? In other words, if the fielder at 2 makes no attempt to throw to 1, is it still interference?

corlay said:

Had this scenario come up twice in 2 consecutive 1/2 innings in a JV game last week.

1-out, Runner on 1B, Ball hit to SS, SS throw to 2B for force out, Runner from 1B remains upright coming into 2B, Umpire calls Interference on Runner, Batter-Runner also out. Inning over.

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Without seeing play I cant say for sure if I would agree with the umpire or not, but generally speaking the runner remaining upright is not itself interference. The runner must commit some act that actually interferes and simply running between the bases is not an act of interference. The runner is exactly where they are suppose to be and the defense needs to work around them to make the relay throw to 1st. The runner peeling off and getting in the way of a throw, or remaining upright and running into the fielder as they are trying to throw would be acts of interference.

Comp said:

Without seeing play I cant say for sure if I would agree with the umpire or not, but generally speaking the runner remaining upright is not itself interference.

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Thanks for the clarification Comp.

In this instance, both times interference was called, the ump stated "no slide" was the reason.
I know it was incorrect reasoning, but I was only a "fan" in this case, so I kept my mouth shut. lol

corlay said:

Thanks for the clarification Comp.

In this instance, both times interference was called, the ump stated "no slide" was the reason.
I know it was incorrect reasoning, but I was only a "fan" in this case, so I kept my mouth shut. lol

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I would love to be the personal injury lawyer for the runner that is injured from sliding because of this statement