I guess this really happened. R1 lines up 12 feet behind first base and in front of F3. F3 complains that R1 is blocking his view of the batters swing thus hindering his ability to field a ball if it were to come to him. Is there anything illegal with this move by R1? F1 complains to umpire that R1 can't do this because he is out of the baseline.

Greg

J/R states:

<ul>A runner must prove by his actions and the way he positions himself that his intent
is to reach and stay on a base safely. Actions that disregard this intent and show,
rather, an intent to interfere include:

(a) grabbing, tackling, or assaulting a fielder.
<b>(b) intentionally standing and blocking a fielder.</b>
(c) waving arms.
(d) slapping a fielder's glove or mitt.
(e) going beyond (over-running) second or third base in a try to hinder a
fielder.
(f) sliding more than a body's length from a base in a try to hinder a fielder.</ul>

Common sense would also tell you this is not in the spirit and intent of the game. I would likely warn the runner to discontinue. Any further such action, which I suspect would be unlikely, would be cause for perhaps calling him out (interference per J/R) or ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct. I think it would fall into a 9.01(c) category in the rulebook for you to handle as you best see fit.

Just my opinion,

Freix

If this is FED, see 8.4.2E and apply it in your situation.