Interference?

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by bossman72

I know the fielder is protected from fielding a batted ball, but once the ball is fielded and before he throws it, does he have the same type of protection? Was my call right?

The fielder is protected the MOMENT we as umpires judge that F4 is in the act of fielding the ball and ENDS when:

1. The Fielder throws the ball (follow through) OR

2. The Fielder boots/misplays the ball and the ball is not in his immediate reach.

Therefore, in your play F4 still had protection as he had not yet released the ball.

Pete Booth