Interference?

[Al]

Originally Posted by mcrowder

Dave - I see your point if BR had interfered with the FIELDER... but OP has the BR contacting the ball. Regardless of the ruleset, if the deflected ball is contacted by the BR (obviously assuming no intent), then it doesn't matter if it's within a step and a reach - it's not interference.

A good while after the game two coaches on the losing end of the call asked me what I thought about the call. I said I didn't see interference because the baserunner had no time to get away from the deflected ball. But I wish I had said what you have just said so clearly in you post.
I think if the PU had made that point to the head defensive coach he would have understood right away why there was no interference. I may get to explain it to them at another time, or perhaps to a coach in a game I am umpiring if a similar play happens. Thanks, ...Al