Interference?

[rwest]

Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
Trust me, I can sell that out.

8.7.P refers to interfering with a fielder, not contacting a fair batted ball.

Since R1 scored, s/he is no longer a runner. I don't see where this is any different than a blocked ball by the offensive team if the catcher, in the umpire's judgment, had a valid play at 1B.

Interfering with a fair batted ball is interfering with a defensive player's opportunity to make an out. Nothing in 8.7.P states that the interference is with the fielder, just his opportunity to make an out. Also, it's referenced in the Case Play.

As far as selling the out, I'm sure I could too. However, is it right to sell a call even when the rules don't support it? In the case describe (case play 8.8-51) it is ASA's position that interference should not be ruled if the contact was incidental. Of course this is umpires judgement and we are all on the honor system, but if you really believe it was not intentional, by rule and by the case book, you have to rule it a live ball and no out.



[Edited by rwest on Apr 19th, 2005 at 03:29 PM]