Defense Giving Way or Giving up on Play - Interference

[jdmara]

After much deliberation, I could see calling interference in the original post. I'm willing to admit that I may change my mind

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Stutter steps between F4 and the ball (possibly screening F4 from seeing the ball)? Yes, I have interference on this.

Bob, would you agree that distance from R1 and F4 have to be considered in the situation I brought up? For instance, if there is 20 feet between R1 and F4...I don't believe it is a non-baseball play to "screen" the ball by a stutter/lag/delay/etc moving from the visual path of the fielder. I think it naturally occurs when there is a ball hit near a baserunner who advances. However, if there is 5 feet...Ok, I could see someone's justification. Maybe I'm just off my rocket on this topic. Thanks as always gentleman

-Josh

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by jdmara

Bob, would you agree that distance from R1 and F4 have to be considered in the situation I brought up? For instance, if there is 20 feet between R1 and F4...I don't believe it is a non-baseball play to "screen" the ball by a stutter/lag/delay/etc moving from the visual path of the fielder.

No, I would not agree.

If the runner "delays" to let the ball pass in front of him -- that's a legal play. He didn't screen the defense, and his actions were to avoid being hit by the batted ball.

If he stops in the path of the ball and then continues on or jumps up at the last second to avoid the ball, then I'm getting the out. He meant to "interfere" with the play, and I'm going to reward him for his efforts.

[jdmara]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

No, I would not agree.

If the runner "delays" to let the ball pass in front of him -- that's a legal play. He didn't screen the defense, and his actions were to avoid being hit by the batted ball.

If he stops in the path of the ball and then continues on or jumps up at the last second to avoid the ball, then I'm getting the out. He meant to "interfere" with the play, and I'm going to reward him for his efforts.

Ok...Thanks Bob

-Josh

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

If he stops in the path of the ball and then continues on or jumps up at the last second to avoid the ball, then I'm getting the out. He meant to "interfere" with the play, and I'm going to reward him for his efforts.

Agreed. IMO not enough umpires call this INT.

Bob, do you wait to see whether the runner's acts actually hindered the defense? I watch and see whether the fielder fields the ball cleanly, especially if there's a chance of a double play.

[RogersUmp]

What would be enough?

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by RogersUmp

What would be enough?

Umpire judgment.