I'll agree the ball may not have hit him, really not sure and there is no clear shot. However, I have no doubt this runner intentionally attempted to block the throw and was NOT trying to reach the base at the time of the throw. MLB 7.08(b) does allow for INT to be called on interferring with a thrown ball.
The reason I thought the batter was gesturing to the catcher was because the BR wasn't even close to 1B when he started. However, that would actually support my opinion that he was trying to interupt the play and not reach the base. Take another look at the step taken before contact. It certainly wasn't toward the base nor anywhere necessary to head in that direction and, again IMO, seemed very deliberate.
BTW, take another look at the umpire. He comes off the line and raises the left arm for a second or two. Don't know why or if he even knew it was out there. Then he makes a safe signal with the ball rolling on the ground and then never gives a DB signal (as MLB instructs).
I will still stick with my original opinion that this is not OBS, but INT even in the MLB. Either that, or Reggie Jackson is the new rules interpreter.
