Runner Interference???

[whiskers_ump]

Originally posted by wadeintothem
ASA&FED - contact is not necessary - interferring with a fielder executing a play (confusing, hindering, etc) verbally or physically is interference - this call could be justified if the umpire judged that the actions of the runner caused the fielder to take the easy out at 1b instead of getting the lead runner.. but if the fielder fielded the ball cleanly and chose to go to 1b (often what is done anyway) - it could have then been a bad call (which would probably be due to a lack of understanding of the rule). "Getting to close" is not interference.. it could be; but isnt necessarily interference. This is a HTBT play IMO.. and even if we were there, is entirely the judgement of the ump making the call.

I agree with Wade here. However, if I am going to make an interference
call, it will be immediately when it happens. Not after the fact which is the
way it sounds or reads from your posting.

Maybe the umpire was worried about ITB if he left R1 on 3rd. [J/K'g]