Ruling in ASA: Interference?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeCubP

Where is the rule-backing to rule INT on a play like Alex Rodriguez's in the 2004 MLB ALCS (where he intentionally swatted the ball out of the tagging fielder's glove while running to first base) in an ASA game?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:A...terference.jpg

Try 8:7:J.

[HawkeyeCubP]

Originally Posted by Skahtboi

Try 8:7:J.

Originally Posted by Rule Book

8.7.J. THE RUNNER IS OUT
When the runner interferes:
1. With a fielder attempting to field a batted fair ball or a foul fly ball, or
2. With a fielder attempting to throw the ball, or
3. With a thrown ball.
EFFECT: If this interference, in the judgment of the umpire, is an attempt to
prevent a double play and occurs before the runner is put out, the immediate
succeeding runner shall also be called out.
4. Intentionally with any defensive player having the opportunity to make an
out with the deflected batted ball.
EFFECT: The ball is dead and the runner is out. All other runners must return
to the last base touched at the time of the interference.

What part of this rule applies to a fielder already in possession of the ball attempting to tag the runner out, and the runner running by and hitting the fielder's glove, knocking the ball out of the glove, with a swinging arm motion?

[Dakota]

Rule 1 - INTERFERENCE: The act of an offensive player or team member, umpire or spectator that impedes, hinders, or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play.
Contact is not necessary.

It is definitionally interference. Then, 8-7-Q, call it a micro crash. Or, if you think it necessary, 10-1.

[HawkeyeCubP]

Originally Posted by Dakota

It is definitionally interference. Then, 8-7-Q, call it a micro crash. Or, if you think it necessary, 10-1.

I'll buy 1 and 10.1.

Although the term micro-crash makes me laugh, I don't know if I'd bring that up to an upset player or coach. I feel that 8.7.J can't truly apply, per se, until an additional bullet number is added to include "With a fielder in possession of the ball attempting to tag a runner." - or some variation thereof.

Thanks for the response.

[Dakota]

The problem is if you try to add this situation specifically to the rules, how do you distinguish from the normal contact of a tag knocking the ball loose?

I'd just cite the definition of interference and leave it at that for an on-the-field explanation, and leave 10-1 for use in a protest, if there is one.