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OK, OK, I tried but I guess I can't call an out for unsportsmanlike conduct on THIS play so let's go back to Visual Interference.
Check out OBR 7.08. Any runner is out when:
(b) He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders the fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball
Then let's go to JEA's Professional Interpretation of the above rule.
"This play is most likely to occur when a runner interferes with a thrown ball while trapped in a rundown. In desperation, he reaches up and interferes by touching the ball OR OBSTRUCTING THE VIEW OF THE FIELDER. Any act of this nature should be ruled interference."
He goes further which is more in line with the original play.
"The interference of a runner with a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball 'does not have to be intentional'. ANY ACTION, HOWEVER, THAT IS TAKEN BY THE RUNNER WHICH IS PAPALBY DESIGNED TO INTERFERE SHOULD BE RULED INTERFERENCE. THIS INCLUDES TIMING HIS ADVANCEMENT TO INTENTIONALLY CONFUSE OF(SIC) HINDER THE FIELDER."
OK, now you say that the MLBUM does not agree with that at this time. Fortunately that new ruling hasn't trickled down to my Association yet and I personally don't think it should as it is a blatant act of disrespect for the game. G.
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