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Originally Posted by mcrowder
This is immaterial. It does not matter what F6 did or tried to do.
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You have NO rules basis for calling ANYTHING on this runner, barring intent.
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mcrowder,
The rule basis I have is:
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7.08 ...(b) He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball;
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Note that the rule says "attempting to make a play". Per the MLBUM section I quoted in the 20th post on this thread, which is also what J/R says, the fielder was in the act of "attempting to make a play on a batted ball" at the time of contact with the runner. Since the play he was attempting to make was a tag of that runner, I woud agree that this was NOT interference.
However, had the fielder been attempting a
different play (in the umpire's judgement) then I believe interference would have been an entirely appropriate call, supported by the rules, the Official Interpretation, and Authoritative Opinion. Yes?
JM