Quote:
Originally posted by bossman72
American Legion Rules.
R1 steals on the pitch. R1 comes into the base standing up and makes contact with F6, who is straddling the bag awaiting the throw. The contact came before the ball got to the base and the contact caused F6 to not be able to field the ball. The ball then rolls into center feild. The contact was neither hard nor malicious, but it was significant enough to cause F6 to misplay the ball.
Is this a violation of the slide rule? Is this interference? Would the ruling be different playing under NFHS rules?
I've heard several different opinions on this from different umpires in my association and I would like to hear what you guys think.
Thanks!
bossman72
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Boss,
If F6 is blocking the base without the ball, he is not entitled to protection under the interference rule. He would have to be in the act of fielding the ball in order to call interference. This is a judgment call. If he is reaching for the ball at the time of contact, a case for interference could be made, if the interference is judged to be intentional. The fielder has no right to block a base without the ball. The base belongs to the runner if the fielder is just standing there and the ball isn't immediately being fielded. If contact is made, and say, the ball is just passing the pitcher, F6 has more than likely obstructed the base runner.
There is no "must slide" rule. It is usually refered to as "slide or avoid." In Fed, the runner is never required to slide, but if he does slide, it must be a legal slide.
[Edited by SanDiegoSteve on Nov 19th, 2005 at 01:31 AM]