Obstruction or Interference? Tricky call

[PFISTO]

This is the response I recieved from Mr Rick Roder
Hi Mike,



The pitcher is chasing a deflected fielding try, so runner has the right of way. It is obstruction in my opinion. Here is the relevant passage from Jaksa/Roder manual:



A fielder is protected if he is trying to field a batted ball, and he is given priority to field it, and he is not chasing a deflected or missed fielding try.



A fielder cannot be protected if he is chasing a batted ball that has been deflected or missed.



Please keep in mind that while Jaksa/Roder defines the act of fielding, the official rule codes do not. Thus there will certainly be arguments as to whether this is interference or obstruction. Which is precisely why J/R provides a definition…



Hope that helps,

Rick