Game ending interference

[blueump]

Watching the Tigers/Royals last night...the game ended on a weird interference call. I never expected to ever see this called at the Big Boy level, but it was, to nullify the tying run and end the game.

With runners at the corners, and one out, the Tigers hit a ground ball to SS who flipped the the second baseman for one. The runner going into second slid only when he was right on top of the bag, and then sort of half rolled toward the second baseman who was flipping the ball toward first. Clearly they were not going to be able to turn the double play, and after checking the replays it appears that no contact was ever made with the fielder.

This begs the question. Even though the slide appeared illegal, can it really be if no contact is made with the fielder?

[DG]

Originally posted by blueump
Watching the Tigers/Royals last night...the game ended on a weird interference call. I never expected to ever see this called at the Big Boy level, but it was, to nullify the tying run and end the game.

With runners at the corners, and one out, the Tigers hit a ground ball to SS who flipped the the second baseman for one. The runner going into second slid only when he was right on top of the bag, and then sort of half rolled toward the second baseman who was flipping the ball toward first. Clearly they were not going to be able to turn the double play, and after checking the replays it appears that no contact was ever made with the fielder.

This begs the question. Even though the slide appeared illegal, can it really be if no contact is made with the fielder?

Contact is not required for interference to be called.