Controversial Interference Call

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by DG

MLBUM 6.1: Note that under the Official Baseball Rules, a fielder is protected while in the act of fielding a batted ball. In addition, a fielder is also protected while in the act of making a play after having fielded a batted ball. If, after a player has fielded a batted ball but before he is able to throw the ball, a runner hinders or impedes such fielder, the runner shall be called out for interference."

In the play under discussion, as described, the runner made contact with the fielder a half second after he fielded the ball and in so doing prevented the fielder from making a good throw to retire the batter-runner. I believe the correct call is runner OUT, BR to 1b.

You're correct. Mea Culpa. I forgot that wording. I've decided to punish myself by re-reading MLBUM on my way to my football game today.