Two passages from JEA rule 7.09(k) come into play:
The rule serves two purposes: (1) It prevents a runner from leaving the basepath and intentionally crashing into the player covering first base, and (2) It prevents a runner from illegally screening the player taking the throw at first.
[snip]
An allowance should be made for the batter-runner to step inside the foul line as he reaches the immediate vicinity of first base; otherwise, the base is not readily accessible for him to touch since the runner's lane runs adjacent and past the base in foul territory. However, a runner who has advanced the entire distance from home plate to first in fair territory making no effort to run within the lane is not extended the same leniency as the runner who runs in the lane as required and then cuts into fair territory near the base to touch it. [all emphasis is mine]
Now, it is apparent the fielder did not reach for this ball as Justice was approaching, and if he had, he would have had his a$$ run over. While I think Justice would not have beaten the ball had the fielder reached for it, that is just my judgement. I would expect all to agree it would have at least been a very close play. It was the illegal position of Justice, however, that prevented that play from occurring. He should receive NO benefit of doubt regarding that call.
BUT the real question is:
Do you require the fielder to get his a$$ run over to prove the interference to you?
I don't think so. Elsewhere in the JEA, Evans states the acts "palpably designed" to interfere should be ruled as interference. Consistent with the philosophy here, he states that the runner in fair territory the entire basepath should not be given the leniency as one merely stepping to the base as he reaches it. Doesn't that really tell you that the intent of the runner in fair territory throughout his approach IS to interfere? He has shown total disregard for the running lane rule---one we all learn at a young age.
I don't think the fielder need risk injury and possibly his career to receive the proper call. I also feel the same toward amateurs.
Justice interefered.......and received his justice.
Kudos to Demuth for making the proper, gutsy call.
Just my opinion,
Freix