Interference? (Legion)

[jicecone]

Originally posted by bossman72
American Legion Rules.

R1 steals on the pitch. R1 comes into the base standing up and makes contact with F6, who is straddling the bag awaiting the throw. The contact came before the ball got to the base and the contact caused F6 to not be able to field the ball. The ball then rolls into center feild. The contact was neither hard nor malicious, but it was significant enough to cause F6 to misplay the ball.

Is this a violation of the slide rule? Is this interference? Would the ruling be different playing under NFHS rules?

I've heard several different opinions on this from different umpires in my association and I would like to hear what you guys think.

Thanks!

bossman72

After re-reading this situation, I see some things I originally missed.

1. The runner is stealing and comes in standing up.
2. Fielder is straddling the bag.
3. Runner runs into Fielder at the same place he is trying to catch the ball.

Answer:

1.This has nothing to do with the FPSL. It is a steal.
Nor the NCAA obstruction rule.

2. It can only be interference, if the runner purposely interferes with the fielder catching the ball.

3. For what took place, nothing would be different under NFHS, LL, OBR, NCAA or ay other league that writes baseball rules.