Why Wasn't This Interference?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by UES

Generally speaking, the fielder is protected when he is in the immediate act of fielding a batted ball (deflected or not). The fielder is NOT protected when he is "en route" to fielding the ball. Moreover, it looks like the B/R was almost past F3 so I don't think he would have been able to make a play anyways. Calling interference without any contact is pretty rare unless the runner goes out of his way to make it difficult for the fielder... which I don't think was the case here.

You're kidding - right? I hope.

If not, I can block off a fielder heading toward the intersection with the ball and not be guilty of interference.