Situation - NFHS Rules

whiskers_ump · #1 (**permalink**) Sat Apr 09, 2005, 10:09pm

1 out, runners at 2nd and 3rd.

Batter hits a high pop-fly to the 3rd baseman. The coach instructed the runner to return to 3rd base and stay on the bag. The pop-fly came down very close to the bag and the fielder dropped the ball. The runner did not move out of the way.
However, the fielder did not make contact with the runner and in umpire judgement fielder had room to make the catch...even though it was within 1 foot of the runner on the bag.

No interference call made because it was felt the fielder had room to make the play...even though she could have been distracted by the runner who stayed on the bag, standing like a statue.

Based on the rule that the base is not a sanctuary for the runner and that she should allow the fielder to make the play, should interference have been called since the runner did not vacate the area? No contact was made between the runner and the fielder.

And if so, is the correct ruling the batter is awarded 1st, runner at 2nd stays and the runner guilty of the interference called out?

WestMichBlue · #2 (**permalink**) Sat Apr 09, 2005, 11:49pm

Runner is not required to vacate a base to allow the defender to make a catch. The runner can stay on the base and not be called for interference unless the runner intentionally interferes with the ball or the fielder making the play (8.8.13)

WMB

rhsc · #3 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 10, 2005, 05:09am

OK, but what if the BR does vacate only to allow the fielder room and/or to avoid int? How do you rule? Possible BR in jeapardy to be put out or not?

WestMichBlue · #4 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 10, 2005, 08:37am

OK, but what if the BR does vacate only to allow the fielder room and/or to avoid int?

(I am sure that you mean "Runner," not Batter Runner.)

In the same way that the rule protects the runner if she stays on the base, then she gives up that protection if she voluntarily leaves the base.

Defender - catch ball while standing on base, look at umpire and appeal for leaving early. That's almost too easy!

WMB

Rachel · #5 (**permalink**) Sun Apr 10, 2005, 08:44am

Dumb runner. R1 (not BR) stays on the base and does not intentionally interfere then the fielder needs to make the play. Intentionally interefere is the umpires judgement. That's why we get the big bucks. The runner may lean into the fielder but that is the umpires call.

rhsc · #6 (**permalink**) Tue Apr 12, 2005, 07:40am

Quote:

Originally posted by WestMichBlue
OK, but what if the BR does vacate only to allow the fielder room and/or to avoid int?

(I am sure that you mean "Runner," not Batter Runner.)

In the same way that the rule protects the runner if she stays on the base, then she gives up that protection if she voluntarily leaves the base.

Defender - catch ball while standing on base, look at umpire and appeal for leaving early. That's almost too easy!

WMB

Ill have to look it up, but I think if R vacates to avoid INT, theyre protected. Safety first. Seems like its in POE somewhere.