Quote:
Originally Posted by SAWolf
Ok, I did read it:
7.09 It is interference by a batter or a runner when:
(f) If, in the judgment of the umpire, a base runner willfully and deliberately interferes with a batted ball or a fielder in the act of fielding a batted ball with the obvious intent to break up a double play, the ball is dead. The umpire shall call the runner out for interference and also call out the batter-runner because of the action of his teammate. In no event may bases be run or runs scored because of such action by a runner.
This rule references the batted ball but still says the same thing. Willfully and deliberately interferes...
So where do you draw the line? When the shortstop gets taken out with a broken leg or when the batter gets beamed in the head next time he comes up to bat? I understand that it isn't "kiddie" ball but it isn't WWE either.
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What do you think happens on just about every double play? Is it necessary for a fielder to slide in a direction other than directly to the base?
No, it's a willful and deliberate attempt to break up a double play. It just doesn't look as clumsy as this attempt did is all.