Obstruction/Interference

[jeffg1415]

No one on, no outs. Batter pops up in between home and first, just barely foul. While running to first base, the pitcher and runner collide, both falling down. Is it no call, interference, or obstruction.

Jeff

[greymule]

The pitcher was trying to catch the pop? Runner's out for interference.

[Jerry]

We probably need a bit more information. Was the pitcher running to cover 1st base in anticipation of a play, rather than attempting to field the batted ball? If so, you've probably got obstruction on the pitcher (if the ball lands fair).

I'd wait for the play to end. Was the ball caught in flight? Did it drop untouched to the ground but could have been fielded by the pitcher except for the collision?

Are you sure you don't have incidental contact . . . no harm; no foul?

The definitions speak for themselves; it's your judgement that needs to come into play.

Jerry

[Bfair]

Originally posted by jeffg1415
No one on, no outs. Batter pops up in between home and first, just barely foul. While running to first base, the pitcher and runner collide, both falling down. Is it no call, interference, or obstruction.

Jeff

First, it's the inherent obligation of the runner to avoid a fielder fielding a batted ball. Yet, the umpire needs to judge in his mind which fielder has the best opportunity to field the ball, and his efforts should be protected. You couldn't reasonably expect a BR to be responsible for avoiding three different fielders coming from varying angles and converging on a spot near his needed running path. Although an umpire's judgment may change as to which fielder he protects, he can only protect one fielder at a time. Although he may initially protect the catcher, if the pitcher calls for the catch and the catcher backs off, that protection can change at that time. The pitcher has then obviously become the fielder responsible for the defense's catch attempt.

With that premise understood, was the pitcher judged as having the best opportunity to field the ball at the time of the contact? If so, then you have interference if, in your judgment, the contact prevented the pitcher from making the catch. Fair/foul has no bearing on catching a fly ball if interference occurred. If judged not catchable, then no interference occurred, but obstruction likely has if it is a fair ball.

If the pitcher is not protected---if some other fielder had a better opportunity to field the ball and the pitcher was unaware of that fact---then you have obstruction potential on the pitcher. Still, for obstruction to occur, the ball must be fair. If the ball is first contacted over foul territory, you have no obstruction. However, if the ball were to drop and roll fair, the act of the pitcher would be obstruction, and the batter would be awarded 1B.

If the ball is fair, a no-call is not a possibility.
Either interference or obstruction has occurred.
Incidental contact causing both fielder and runner to fall on a fair ball would be a very poor call.
The official needs to make the decision.


Just my opinion,

Freix