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Fri May 23, 2003, 09:51pm
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Situation: R1 at first. Batter hits to F4. F9 is playing very close to F3 infield position. Batter hits between first and 2nd. Both F4 and F9 are making a play on the ball directly in the path between first and second base. Ball hit is between the 2 players and both reaching for ball when R1 splits F4 and F9 and flips over both F4 and F9. F4 comes up with the ball. R1 is on ground in pain and play continues until a tag is made (about 15 seconds after the collision) and R1 is out.
Is F4 protected or can both F4 and F9 be protected on this play as far as interference is concerned? Or, if only one is protected, then could obstruction be the call? Umpire didn't rule either and went with the tag out but stated he should've called interference. Thoughts? 
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Fri May 23, 2003, 10:24pm
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Wow, I bet that was fun, (hope no injuries though).
8-7-J-1,2,3 state runner interferes with "a" fielder. 8-7-J-5 states "any" ...deflected batted ball. Runner in my mind is out on interference, and should have been called as such. If runner was down for 15 secs, we should have had time called, dead ball, runner cant be put out until live play resumes, (unless a dead ball appeal). I had a similar situation three days ago, the right call was made eventually, but due to an injury, I stopped play before making correct call. In you scene, I dont see obstruction, and the umpire got the out right, even (maybe) in the wrong way. I applaud that ump for admitting he might have been wrong. [Edited by JEL on May 23rd, 2003 at 10:31 PM]
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Sat May 24, 2003, 01:28am
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I assume F4 had first or best shot at playing the ball.
Can't tell for sure if "both reaching for ball when R1 splits F4 and F9 and flips over both F4 and F9" means R1 contacted F4 or impeded F4 from the ball in some way. If so, then interference. The only way I see it could be obstruction is if R1 did not contact F4 or impede F4 from the ball in some way, then F9 could be obstructing.
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Sat May 24, 2003, 08:38am
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Quote:
Obviously, the runner didn't "split" the fielders if she ran into them. The player protected can only be determined by the umpire. If the umpire stated he should have rule interference, then I guess he kicked the call. Just because the player was down for 15 seconds means absolutely nothing unless the umpire judged it to be a serious injury in which a delay in medical attention would worsen the situation.
__________________
The bat issue in softball is as much about liability, insurance and litigation as it is about competition, inflated egos and softball.
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Sat May 24, 2003, 10:41am
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Practical umpiring ...
R1 was probably the only player in this situation who could see what was happening, and therefore should have attempted to avoid the collision. So, doubt goes to the defense. If it is too close to call as to which fielder is protected, then practical umpiring would say the fielder first contacted was protected, interference, dead ball, runner out.
__________________
Tom
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