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"A revised definition of interference states that a fielder is considered to be making an initial play on a fair batted ball when she has a reasonable chance to catch or gain control of the ball that no other fielder, except the pitcher, has touched. The fielder is still considered to be making an initial play if she fails to gain control of the batted ball, but is within a “step and reach” of the ball. This rule clarifies that the runner is charged with interference if she makes contact while the fielder is attempting to make the initial play on a fair batted ball."
This clarification addresses and answers three discussions we have had on the FED board in the past year.
1) The obvious step and reach on a bobbled ball.
2) The protection of a 2nd fielder on a deflected ball by anyone other than the pitcher. This says the 2nd fielder is not protected because only the initial attempt is protected.
3) The heated discussion we had about interference on a ground ball over foul territory. This ruling used the word "FAIR" batted ball twice. We can conclude from this that there is no interference on a play when the batted ball is on the ground over foul territory. It is merely a foul ball.
NKYFP FAN
Last edited by NKYFP FAN; Sat Jul 08, 2006 at 05:02pm.
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