Did I overthink this?

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by Alligator Bag

Batter-runner hits chopper off the plate straight into the air a few feet in front of plate. Left handed pitcher fields ball with runner on third and 2 outs. BR is into grass in fair territory running to first. Pitcher fields looks to first and has to take a few steps further into fair territory to make the throw to first baseman and avoid BR.
Do I have interference?
Should the ball have made contact with BR?
If ball gets to 1st baseman and is dropped should the interference be ignored?

Pitcher fields looks to first and has to take a few steps further into fair territory to make the throw to first baseman and avoid BR.
Do I have interference?

At this point you have nothing. We can't rule on what might happen or could happen. Since F1 did not make a play yet, you have nothing.

Now if F1 makes a play and B1 is out of the running lane and by being out of the lane prevents F3 from making a play then you call interference.

Also, IMO the KEY question is this:

Did the throw cause F3 not to be able to make a play or was it the runner by being out of the lane caused F3 not to make a play.

Example; Same play as yours, F1 relases the ball but it is nowhere near F3. If that's the case then i don't have interference. The fielder on this play will get the benefit of doubt since the offense is the one who erred, but if the throw is not even close then ignore the interference.

Pete Booth