Quote:
Originally Posted by WWUmp
However, in a play like this, I have to see a real intent to INT or OBS before I call it. This to me is similar to a play, for example, when R2 is advancing to 3B while SS is playing the ball, SS may be blocked visually for a brief moment as R2 passes by and SS may muff the play as a result, but if the ball did not contact R2 and R2 did not make contact with SS and as long as I see no intent to interfere, then I got no call.
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But that's not what the rules say. Intent (either INT or OBS) on this play is irrelevant. We are to judge whether the runner's actions interfered with the fielder, who has right of way on this play. If the runner did interfere, even without contact, it's INT. (And, I suppose, the opposite is true ... if the runner INTENDED to interfere but failed to do so, it's not INT). Contact makes it an easier call, most definitely ... but contact is not necessary, and making this call without contact, if the runner truly did interfere, is why they pay us.