OBS? INT? Or What?

[WestMichBlue]

Most of us would agree that, after muffing a batted ball, a fielder would be protected for a couple steps to re-gain control of the ball. But what is your call in the following situation?

Runner on 3B, passed ball skids sharply to backstop, hits post, and ricochets up in a soft blooper that is heading towards the 3B line, going to land about 8’ – 10’ from home. Catcher, who had started back, has now pivoted and is sprinting for the ball. You can see the play developing: if catcher can get to that spot before the runner does, she will be able to tag the runner.

Catcher reaches “the spot” first and is starting to bend over to pick up ball; runner tries to go around, but bumps the catcher. Both players are knocked off stride; by time catcher gets ball the runner is past her.

1. Runner’s progress impeded by fielder that does not have a thrown ball – Obstruction?

2. Defender has the right to field a ball anywhere on the playing surface without being hindered by a runner – Interference?

3. Defender had muffed the original throw (passed ball) and had to travel a long way to retrieve the ball. Either no call, or obstruction?


Let’s add a couple “what-ifs” to above:

A – When the catcher turns from the backstop to go to the base line she runs into the batter, who is correctly attempting to vacate the home plate area. Interference?

B – The pitcher, who is coming home to cover the plate, goes to field the ricochet and is run into by the runner. Interference?

C – The runner, seeing the ball ricochet of the fence and heading right at her face, throws her arm up and knocks the ball away (thus preventing any play by either F1 or F2). Interference?

WMB