interference?

[tbartel]

Bases loaded, one out. Infield in. Ground ball to shortstop, runner from second bumps into him slightly and unintentionally. Shortstop is able to complete throw to get runner from first at second.

Interference or not?

I called it, BTW.

[Huskerblue]

Interference!!!!! In FED, that would be a dead ball, runner is out, the batter runner is out, and return the runner to first.

[tbartel]

why is batter runner out? Assumed double play?

[Bfair]

First, the act itself IS interference, whether intentional or not. The ball is immediately declared dead and the action on R1 is negated.

Under OBR rule 7.08(l), the interfering runner is out. Rule 7.08(g) says that if it is also judged that the interference was judged as intentional AND that it broke up a double play, then the BR would also be declared out. Both elements must be present to declare 2 out on the play.

For Fed (rule 8-4-2g) the interfering runner is out. The element of intent required by OBR is not needed for Fed to declare 2 out if you felt a double play was possible. The other runner declared out for the act of interfering with a double play would be "the other runner involved". If uncertain as to who the defense would have played on (such perhaps as in your scenerio) then declare out the runner closest to home.

For both Fed and OBR, other runners return to bases occupied at time of pitch unless forced to advance due award of 1st base to BR.

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Only you saw your play to determine the speed and judgement aspects. Assuming this was a crisply hit ball:

For Fed (had there been no outs when play occurred), I call out R2 and R3 (due to pulled in infield), award 1st to BR causing R1 to be forced to 2nd. Of course your play started with 1 out, so the 2 declared outs now end the inning with no runs scoring on this play.

For OBR, I declare out R2, award 1st to BR (forcing R1 to 2nd), and return R3 to 3rd.

Just my opinion,

Freix

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by tbartel
Bases loaded, one out. Infield in. Ground ball to shortstop, runner from second bumps into him slightly and unintentionally. Shortstop is able to complete throw to get runner from first at second.

Interference or not?

First off intent is not a requirement on batted balls, however, judgement is.

The question an umpire should ask himself concerning interference is: Did the runner hinder , impede or confuse any fielder attempting to make a play?

runner from second bumps into him slightly

In your judgement did the act on the part of the runner hinder, impede or confuse F6? Your answer was yes hence the interference call.

Whether FED or OBR, based upon your thread I would not call a DP. In FED you have more leeway, but your situation doesn't sound as if it warrents 2 outs.

Tomorrow it could be no depending upon the judgement used by a different umpire. This is why Interference / obstruction are 2 of the most difficult calls in baseball.

Pete Booth