|
When the throw sails 12 feet over the F3's head, the interpretation doesn't have to be "strict." (OK, the situation didn't say 12'...)
Fundamental to interference is there has to be a play to be intefered with. No throw; no interference. Horrible throw, no interference. Same rule everywhere, actually. Runner coming in to home; throw sails over F2's head; collision at the plate. Interference? No.
The rule, as written, recognizes (IMO) that the batter-runner does not have eyes in the back of her head. Hence, she is charged with interfering with the fielder at 1st taking the throw.
But, if the throw is a quality throw (not perfect, just good enough that there is a play at 1st to be interfered with), and the runner is out of the running lane, and the fielder covering 1st cannot make the play because the runner is out of the running lane, then the call is made.
It's a judgment in a long line of judgments, and not that tough to see and call.
I notice you have the BR at 30' from 1st in your first two situations. This is at the edge of where the running lane begins. Talk about "strict" interpretation. If the ball hits the BR before she passes the 30' mark, or wizzes by her ear before she passes 30' & no catch is made, no interference.
Interesting you cite NFHS ... aren't these the guys who a year or so ago declared open season on BRs by issuing an interpretation that all the fielder had to do was plunk the BR out of the running lane with the ball to get the call? I think they needed to change their rule... or at least their ruling.
Regarding the running lane being a sanctuary of sorts for the BR - no, it isn't. Just like everywhere else, she may not intentionally interfere with a thrown ball. She can't be waving her arms or such like.
Finally, it is not illegal per se for the BR to run out of the running lane. She may legally run any where she pleases. She is not restricted to the running lane. The only sanction is if she is out of the running lane and interferes with the catch at 1st base, she is guilty of interference. So, she is at risk of an interference call if she is out of the lane, but she is not per se illegal.
__________________
Tom
|