MLB rule on fan contact with a batted ball

[Adam]

Originally Posted by REFANDUMP

The fan interference call was correct. Awarding the runner home was not, in my opinion.

Why not?

[REFANDUMP]

Judging by where the runner was on the basepaths, I think it was a large assumption to assume he would have scored on that ball. I'll admit that Young should have continued to hustle on the ball instead of giving up on it, but I don't believe the home team should benefit by an interference by one of their fans on a borderline play.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by REFANDUMP

I don't believe the home team should benefit by an interference by one of their fans on a borderline play.

I don't think the team affiliation should have any bearing on the awards.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by yawetag

I don't think the team affiliation should have any bearing on the awards.

I believe MLB is planning to differentiate between home and visitor's fans right after they rewrite the balk rules differentiating between RHPs and LHPs.

[APG]

Originally Posted by REFANDUMP

I'll admit that Young should have continued to hustle on the ball instead of giving up on it, but I don't believe the home team should benefit by an interference by one of their fans on a borderline play.

Who's to say it was a home team fan? Visitor's fans attend games as well.

[bniu]

Originally Posted by AllPurposeGamer

Who's to say it was a home team fan? Visitor's fans attend games as well.

home team's responsible for the conduct of fans in their ballpark (unless we're in the odd situation where the host team are designated visitors for that particular game).

[APG]

Originally Posted by bniu

home team's responsible for the conduct of fans in their ballpark (unless we're in the odd situation where the host team are designated visitors for that particular game).

While that may be true, my point is that just as easily as one could say the home team benefited from the interference of a home fan, one could also make the case that the home team got the benefit of the doubt when a fan from the visiting team thought it'd be smart to touch the ball making it dead and have the umpires hold the runner at third.

Hence why taking into account which team's fan interfered isn't a good idea.

[SAump]

I am puzzled about the extra base award, fan int. or not. It was clear why the OF did what he did. The runner then stole home. It isn't too difficult sending him back to 3rd base where most runners are at TOI.

Don't teams protest anymore?

[JJ]

Fan Interference awards are not protestable. Of course, as with any unusual call they are no doubt reviewed and discussed - and shared with the rest of the MLB umpire staff. Ozzy had it right on page 1.

JJ

[DG]

Last time I checked, its a dead ball when FI occurs and Umpire(s) award bases, and/or call outs, that nullify the FI. Umpires must have ruled that R1 would have scored, absent the FI.