[Rich Ives]

Ther is no rule that says the basepath belongs to the runner.

Interference on a runner is:

7.09 It is interference by a batter or a runner when:

l) He fails to avoid a fielder who is attempting to field a batted ball, or intentionally interferes with a thrown ball, provided that if two or more fielders attempt to field a batted ball, and the runner comes in contact with one or more of them, the umpire shall determine which fielder is entitled to the benefit of this rule, and shall not declare the runner out for coming in contact with a fielder other than the one the umpire determines to be entitled to field such a ball;

m) A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching a fielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches the runner after having been deflected by a fielder, the umpire shall not declare the runner out for being touched by a batted ball. In making such decision the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by, the fielder, and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the runner deliberately and intentionally kicks such a batted ball on which the infielder has missed a play, then the runner shall be called out for interference.
PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE: The runner is out and the ball is dead.

Note that intent is not required for the basic interference. Note that contact is not required.

If the runner is just running by (and perhaps jumping over the ball), and does nothing overt, he should not be guilty of interference as he is doing what is exoected and the fielder should know there will be a runner going by.



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Obstruction by a fielder varies by rule code.

The base rule is:

2.00 OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.

Some rules (LL and NCAA) eliminate the "in the act of foelding" part.