INT--a sticky wicket

[UmpJM]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

This is immaterial. It does not matter what F6 did or tried to do.

...

You have NO rules basis for calling ANYTHING on this runner, barring intent.

mcrowder,

The rule basis I have is:

7.08 ...(b) He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball;

Note that the rule says "attempting to make a play". Per the MLBUM section I quoted in the 20th post on this thread, which is also what J/R says, the fielder was in the act of "attempting to make a play on a batted ball" at the time of contact with the runner. Since the play he was attempting to make was a tag of that runner, I woud agree that this was NOT interference.

However, had the fielder been attempting a different play (in the umpire's judgement) then I believe interference would have been an entirely appropriate call, supported by the rules, the Official Interpretation, and Authoritative Opinion. Yes?

JM