Does base protect runner??

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by tibear

Had a discussion with a fellow umpire over the following situation: Less then two out and runner on base (no infield fly situation) when batter hits a pop fly close to a base that a runner is simply standing on. As the fielder is playing the fly ball, he runs into the runner who is standing on the base and as a result of the collision the ball is not caught.

I want to call interference on the play because I don't believe the base provides protection to the runner. Am I correct??

The base doesn't provide protection from interfereing with the ball.

It does provide some protection from interfering with the fielder