Why Wasn't This Interference?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by UES

Gentlemen,

Below are three scenarios (same or similar to the original play) that illustrates how the rule(s) is applied at the NCAA and PRO levels:

Play #1: B1 hits a ground ball that is deflected by the pitcher and rebounds near the foul line by 1st base. F3 moves towards the ball and just as he's about to field it, the B/R makes contact with the fielder while legally running to 1st base. This is INTERFERENCE

Play #2: B1 hits a ground ball that is deflected by the pitcher and rebounds over near the foul line by 1st base. F3 moves towards the ball, and, while doing so contacts the B/R who is legally running to 1st base before he could attempt to field the ball. This is OBSTRUCTION

Play #3: B1 hits a ground ball that is deflected by the pitcher and rebounds over near the foul line by 1st base. F3 moves towards the ball but his momentum is slowed or stopped because of B/R who is legally running to 1st base. This is "THAT'S NOTHING" ... which what was correctly ruled in the original play - although I think U1 could have given a verbal "that's nothing" followed by a safe mechanic.

NOTE: Moving towards the ball is just PART of the attempt to make a play and the fielder is generally not protected (ie. the farther away he is from gloving the ball, the LESS protected he is). Now, when the fielder is in the actual act of fielding (gloving) the ball, he is protected (ie. the closer he is to gloving the ball, the MORE protected he becomes).

Let the debating continue ...

Not the OP but, with a fair bunted ball about halfway down the 1B line, do you require the pitcher to get trucked or can he pull up because the runner is running straight at and over the ball.
The definition of Offensive Interference does not even have the word contact in it.