Verbal Interference

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

In OBR there is no such thing as verbal interference or obstruction (actually points not covered). A runner is simply referred to as "gullible" for not knowing the difference between his opponent and his coach. Carl Childress said that Bruce Froemming would penalize a runner for yelling "drop it" to a fielder under 9.01(c).

Why not simply penalize a runner for committing interference? Period. After all, is it not interference when a runner hinders or impedes a fielder from fielding a batted ball (in the situation at hand)? Plus, if we know that offensive interference can occur without contact, which it oftentimes does, then can't a runner intentionally yelling at a fielder and hindering said fielder from fielding be considered interference per se (forget this term of "verbal interference"--I wouldn't even use that adjective "verbal" in my explanation to the inevitably arguing coach or manager)?