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OBR rule 6.06c
6.06 A batter is out for illegal action when
(c) He interferes with F2's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or making any other movement that hinders F2's play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter's interference.
If the batter interferes with F2, the PU shall call "interference." The batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference.
If, however, F2 makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired.
Sitch: R1/R3 R1 is stealing and B1 interferes with F2 who fires to second to get R1.
This is where Blues call could possibly determine the game and IMO should not.
According to the above rule if R1 is put out the interference is ignored and whatever happens happens, meaning R3 scores for the potential go ahead or possible winning run. Even if Blue "kicked" the call by calling out, the run still counts
Now if Blue call R1 safe, then we Enforce the interference meaning R3 the potential winning or go ahead run returned to third base.
IMO, if the defense interfered, they interfered. IMO the rule should state if the runner is retired the out stands but Other runners should be returned to their TOI bases.
Is this one of the instances where the rules favor the offense? Based on this rule a coach should then instruct his F2 not to even throw down to second when he hears the PU signal and call CI because if he does and gets the out, interference is ignored and r3 could then score.
Seems to me the rule-makers made a mistake on this type of ruling.
What say you
Pete Booth
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Peter M. Booth
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