TwoBits,
I believe that in your original sitch there is
NOT interference, but NOT for the reasons suggested by Tim and LMan. Rather it is because, according to your description (if I'm reading it correctly),
Quote:
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...the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders the fielder...
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.
By rule, this exempts the R3 from liability for (unintentional) interference with a protected fielder attempting to field a fair batted ball.
If he is NOT in contact with a base at the time he "failed to avoid" a protected fielder, he is properly called out, the ball is dead, the batter is awarded 1B, and any other runners return to their TOP base unless forced by the BR's award.
The protection afforded a BR on a tangle/untangle with the catcher while leaving the box is
exclusive to the BR, and does not apply by rule or principle to any other runner. What the R3
should have been doing (again, were he not in contact with the base) is "avoiding the fielder".
So, except for the fact that the R3 was in contact with the base at the time of contact, I agree with mcrowder.
JM