FED Ruling

[whiskers_ump]

Runner on 2nd, batter hits a ground ball in gap
between F7 and F8. Runner from 2nd rounds and
touches 3rd , scores. However, 3rd base coach is
uncertain runner touched third and yells for her
to return. F6 receives relay throw and instead of
throwing to F4 to get BR who made wide turn at 2nd,
throws to F5 at 3rd in time to tag the retreating
runner who is attempting to return to 3rd.

We allowed the run to score since she had already
touched the plate.

Should interference have been called on the returning
runner? If so, would the run have scored and the
closest runner to home now be out? Think I have seen
this somewhere, but unable to find it.

[Roger Greene]

You were correct in that a runner who has leagally scorred cannot then be put out, even if she thinks she is returning to 3rd base.

On the inteference question, you might have that, but it would be unusual. There is a rule, in Rule 3 I think, that prevents coaches or other team members from gathering around a base and confusing or hindering the defense from making a play on a runner.

This player is no longer a runner.(I know that in a case play Fed still calls her a runner in reference to a malicious contact after she scores, but she no longer meets the definition of a runner.) What she is is not clear. She isn't a retired runner, so in my opinion she now becomes "other team personel".

For me to make any call, I'd have to be totaly convinced that the player prevented the defensive team from making a play.

I think I'd handle this like a BR attempting to run to 1st after an uncaught 3rd strike with 1st occupied and less than 2 outs. If the defense begain to play on the scoring player returning to third, I'd loudly announce that she had scored, and then let the play continue. Then whatever happens, happens.

Roger Greene,
Member UT