Ejection without an out?

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by jmkupka

There was no play being attempted by F2 (8.7.Q).
There was an OBS, but this isn't a subsequent INT that would take precedence over the OBS.
Bottom line, does the run score?

No play = nothing to interfer with! You are right that if an obstructed runner subsequently interfers, the interference penalty takes precedence. But this isn't interference under ASA rules.

Score the run, then eject at the end of the play.

The reason that the runner is out for doing this same thing when the fielder has the ball and is waiting to make a tag is that, in that case, the fielder's action likely prevented an out from being made. Same with other runner interference calls where a play (ie: opportunity to make an out) is disrupted. The penalty gives the defense what they likely would have gotten anyway, minus the interference.

With no play being made, we don't reward the defense with an out they wouldn't have gotten. We give the offense what they would have got anyway, the run, then punish the unsportsmanlike act.

Ignore all this if you're playing high school ball! Their rules tell us to call the ball dead, the runner out, then eject the runner if the contact is malicious.