An Odd Play at The Plate

[archangel]

Does the issue that F2 touches the ball prior to contact factor in with a possible non-interference?
In another sich, lets say, catcher is on the plate, ball beats runner who slides, ball hits catchers glove( but pops out unseen by F2) immediately he kneels to sweeptag runner, causing runner to stop short because he slide into F2's knee. F2 picks up ball and then tags.

I've pictured the rule change to penalize a fielder who interferes/blocks access before catching the ball, but what if the ball beats the runner but bounces off the defense's glove before contact?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by archangel

I've pictured the rule change to penalize a fielder who interferes/blocks access before catching the ball, but what if the ball beats the runner but bounces off the defense's glove before contact?

That's the fielder's fault for not catching the ball (in FED and NCAA).

And, please use the correct term "obstruction" (not "interference") when refering to the defensive hindrance.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

That's the fielder's fault for not catching the ball (in FED and NCAA).

I agree. 2-22-3 defines 'obstruction' in these terms: "The fielder without possession of the ball denies access to the base the runner is attempting to achieve" (my emphasis). Having the ball nearby does not constitute possession.