INT on a foul ball

[Rich]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Egads ... two in the same thread. NO. Interference is a dead ball. The ball's status is DEAD.

He's right. It can't be an IFF if it's foul. If it lands and rolls foul, it's not an IFF.

I think in the end they got this exactly right. And I'd protect F3, too.

[HugoTafurst]

Originally Posted by UmpTTS43

We also have an IFF situation. We have to keep it live until we know the status of the ball.

NOT if there is an interference call...
I don't have a problem with the interference on R1, after all this is a judgement call, BUT I still can't figure out why U1 stood there with his right arm up and his left arm pointing if he was ruling Interference...

UNLESS U1 was indicating Infield fly and OBSTRUCTION on F3 - in which case the ending result (R1 out, R2 returned to 2nd and Foul to batter) was wrong.

I'm thinking U! signaled what he thought happened, then during the discussion, they sorted it out and came to the conclusion that it WAS Interference on R1.

I still have no problem with the Interference (R1 interfered with F3).

R1 interfered almost immediately and in my opinion, F3 could (and should) have easily been there. The only reason F2 was there was because F3 couldn't get there.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

NOT if there is an interference call...
I don't have a problem with the interference on R1, after all this is a judgement call, BUT I still can't figure out why U1 stood there with his right arm up and his left arm pointing if he was ruling Interference...

If we're chalking this up to judgement, I then submit this particular umpire has horrific judgement, as does the crew who got together to discuss it. Only 1 fielder can be protected - TWO different fielders had a better play on the ball, and one of those was going all out. F3 was kind of in the... "Should I go for the ball or stay back" mode and definitely was not the fielder with the better chance at the ball at ANY point during this play.

I agree with you on his signal - whatever that was. The signal and the fact that he didn't LOUDLY kill this play when he called INT tells me he was lost.

How the crew let this stand is nearly as bad.

[BSUmp16]

Originally Posted by mbyron

I suppose you could make a case for protecting F3, but it's a weak case. F2 had a better play on the ball.

Here's one of several errors made by the crew: if U1 calls R1 out for INT, why is he allowing play to develop? Why are we throwing the ball across the diamond? Isn't it DEAD on INT?

First, play has to develop to see if ball goes fair or foul, because THAT decision will effect how you enforce the INT. And you can call/holler/demonstrate/signal a runner out all day and some infielder is still going to play it out - as they've been taught. That's not the umpiring crew's fault.

Second, No Way does F2 have a better play. Without the INT, that's F3's play all the way. F3 is coming in for a routine catch using normal effort (which is why U1 initially signals for the IFF); whereas F2 has to either come out far enough to then turn around or make the catch over his shoulder. Protecting F3 is the correct decision; thus no OBS.

Once the ball settles foul, you enforce the INT - R1 out; B/R returns to bat with an extra strike added to the count.

[CT1]

Originally Posted by BSUmp16

Second, No Way does F2 have a better play. Without the INT, that's F3's play all the way. F3 is coming in for a routine catch using normal effort (which is why U1 initially signals for the IFF); whereas F2 has to either come out far enough to then turn around or make the catch over his shoulder. Protecting F3 is the correct decision; thus no OBS.

I disagree. F3's initial move was to stand still and point up toward the ball, so that F1 & F2 would know where it was. His movement toward the ball was very late.

No way I would have protected him.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by CT1

I disagree. F3's initial move was to stand still and point up toward the ball, so that F1 & F2 would know where it was.

Wow, which video are YOU watching? Or were you actually at the game? In the OP, look at the 5:04 mark of the video. It never shows F3 standing still and pointing up as you mention.

No F3 worth his salt is going to stand there and direct F2 to go to a ball that is more than halfway up the first base line. Well, maybe David Ortiz might...