Interference with R2 and F6

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by DTQ_Blue

What criteria do you guys use for ruling interference when a runner from second runs in front of the shortstop as a ground ball is approaching F6, assuming that there is no contact?

I have had plays where R2 was so close to F6 that F6 couldnt optimally position herself to field the ball, e.g. couldn't extend her arms or take an extra step in.

That is the fielder's fault for not taking her position. If she just sits back and waits on the ball, shame on her.

I've had plays where F6 can get into fielding position, but is visually screened by R2 for a split second as R2 passes by. Sometimes F6 cleanly fields the ball to boot.

Are these types of plays interference? Do you ever call interference if the ball is cleanly fielded even though the runner was right in front of F6 as the ball approached?

Do coaches tell their girls to run behing the shortstop in such situations.

If the runner is doing what s/he is supposed to do, advancing to 3B, it is nothing. If the fielder stops, let's the ball pass and then continues, it is nothing. If the runner shows that there was more on her mind than advancing, you may have INT. If the runner hesitates and then moves in front of the fielder just as the ball arrives, that's INT. If the runner makes any motion not connected to her running style or screams as she passes, that is INT.

What it comes down to is that the runner's mere existence at the spot in time is not in itself interference.