Roger,

woolnojg still previewing http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/spezial/Fool/gaz.gif with a little help.

http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/spezial/Fool/ende.gif

Perhaps this is being confused with another FED interpretation.

While I have never heard that a runner merely running in front of a fielder should be interference, if the runner does something unnatural, such as pause then intentionally time his pass in front of the fielder to obstruct his view, interference might be warranted.

Could that be what you're thinking of, woolnojg?

Bretman - That's close. The rule was flat, no passing between the ball and the fielder. The interp was if there was a significant gap, then it was a no-call. The gap had to allow for the fielder to react to the ball, generally speaking about 3-6 feet.

No, I can't give you the rule cite since I don't have those books any more. If it ain't in the rules anymore than it's not a problem, is it?

woolnojg,

I, for one, am really having a hard time believing that there
would be such a rule. If the runner has to stop 3-6 feet and
wait for the ball to be fielded, then this would definiately
be an advantage for the defense. You could just about always
get the lead runner in this situation. I could see this if the
runner is acting stupid, waving, bouncing around, but merely
advancing to next base, no way.

I've been around Fed rules for many,many years.
Taught or helped teach the BB & SB rules for about 18 years.
Can't ever remember a rule such as the one stated here
RE: 3' to 6' etc.
I'd feel safe in saying it never existed. The only thing ever RE:Interference by "R" in a case like this is what Bretman brought up. I'm rather sure it never existed in any way in any ball let alone Fed BB or SB.

And with the credentials like 1231234 has, I gotta go
with him.

<b>Eteamz Softball Rules Dir.</b> :)

whiskers - If the ball passes in front of the runner then the runner has not gone between the ball and the fielder. Even if it is almost close enough to touch him/her. The gap interp only applied when the runner passed between the ball and the fielder.

1231234 - Taught rules for several sports for several years. Always managed to find something new each year. Even a few things I missed the year before. Used this one three times in one season. At the time I had to point out the page to the coaches but I have slept since then and don't do BB anymore.

Dakota could probably draw you a diagram on the compte. I
on the other hand am not that good with computes.

However, if I have runner going from 2B to 3B (or 1B to 2B) and
they are doing their job, IOW's, advancing and pass in front of
a fielder with the ball headed that direction and I have no contact
and the runner does nothing stupid, I got nothing. PLAY ON.

As Tom saids, I am outta here.

HUH?
 

I started doing Fed baseball in 1980, softball a few short years later,
I have never heard of such a ruling or rule unless I have had a stroke and lost a lot of brain cells or something.
If you are going to state this as fact, dig up an old rule book and give the rule and year.