(another) Interference Question

Bryce · Jul 10, 2017

I'd appreciate your help in understanding what the correct application of the rules would be in this situation:

Bases are loaded with one out. Runner on third takes a lead off. Catcher throws to third to attempt put-out. Runner backpedals to retreat and F5's glove hits the runner as she attempts to make the catch. Ball rolls into the outfield. Runner takes home and runner on second also comes around to score.

I thought that even though it was accidental, the runner's actions prevented the fielder from making the play, so it should have been interference on her.
Should she have been called out? Should the runner at second have been returned there?.

Ajaywill · Jul 10, 2017

This play would probably have to be seen to give you a definitive answer. As with most of these plays, it involves a lot of judgement.

In order to have interference on the runner here, the runner would have to "do something" to interfere with F5. Simply running the bases is not of itself interference.
If the contact between F5 and the runner happened prior to F5 having the ball, It is possible that an obstruction call on F5 could be in order.

GunnerShotgun · Jul 10, 2017

Bryce said:
I thought that even though it was accidental, the runner's actions prevented the fielder from making the play, so it should have been interference on her.

The third baseman doesn't have any rights (right to catch the ball, right to the baseline, right to the base, etc.) in this case (assuming the base runner didn't do anything weird). It's not like a batted ball where the fielder has the right of way to make a play.

I will double down on this and say that no one out (the pick off attempt) is worth giving up a run (in this case two). You better be damn sure you can play pitch and catch when trying a pick off with a runner on third.

Bryce · Jul 10, 2017

GunnerShotgun said:
The third baseman doesn't have any rights (right to catch the ball, right to the baseline, right to the base, etc.) in this case (assuming the base runner didn't do anything weird). It's not like a batted ball where the fielder has the right of way to make a play.

I will double down on this and say that no one out (the pick off attempt) is worth giving up a run (in this case two). You better be damn sure you can play pitch and catch when trying a pick off with a runner on third.

Thanks for the clarification. I absolutely agree with what you said -- I have no idea why my catcher threw that ball. Interesting, too, that the runner chose to continue to retreat on the throw. I tell most of my girls to head for home on that throw, understanding that the throw, catch, transfer, throw and catch all have to be close to perfect to get the runner, who only needs to cover 50 feet.

(another) Interference Question

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