Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul L
PONY pony game. PONY is a youth league that uses OBR with few additions, not including a FPSR or other sliding contact provisions. Its pony division is 13-14yo's.
R1, one out. Batter grounds to F6, who fires to F4 crossing second for the force. As F4 pivots behind second to throw to first, R1 slides feet-first hard into him. The slide took R1 within reach of the base, but his legs were well past the base. His right leg in the air but not above the fielder's knee, and his left leg got some air as the slide got into F4's legs. F4 began to fall forward towards first as he began his throw. R1 then jerks his legs sideways toward third, taking F4's legs with him and causing F4 to fall sideways to his left. F4 interrupts his throw to break his fall. R1 ends up with second base in his right armpit and F4 at his feet.
Under Fed, BR is out two or three different ways. But what result under OBR? I was okay until the runner slashed the fielder's legs out from under him, then called interference, BR out. OC thought it was just robust baseball.
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I was ok with the slide up until R1 jerks his legs sideways. I would call that willful and intentional interference under OBR and get two outs.
On the subject of willful and intentional interference the MLBUM has this to say: "Runner has willfully and deliberately interfered with a fielder with the obvious intent to deprive the defense of the opportunity to make a double play. Batter-runner is declared out for the runner's interference." It goes on to say that R1 is out also even if he had not been put out on the play. It also says that "If, in the judgment of the umpire, a runner willfully and deliberately interferes..."
So if you judge to be, then it is, and 2 outs, any other runners return to their bases.