Running lane vs base path

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

ASA fast, modified, or slow pitch with a runner on 1B and less than 2 outs. Batter hits a looper up the middle. R1 doesn't know if F6 will make a catch or not and is caught in "no-man's land". F6 does indeed make a catch and is now in alignment with second and first base. F6 may attempt a throw to F3 to double up R1. R1, having now seen a catch tries to return to 1st base. While returning, with back to F6, R1 puts their hands on their head to avoid getting bonked.

If R1 is hit by F6's throw, do we have interference?

At this point, no.

Assume for sake of argument that R1 returned directly to 1st base from the point where they saw the catch. Also assume there was no arm flailing, just an attempt by the runner to avoid getting hit in the head.

Still no.

When R1 returned to first base, s/he does not know if F6 actually made a throw or not.

Irrelevant.

Secondary consideration: since all players are in alignment, F6, R1, and F3, F3's position while receiving the ball cannot hinder R1.

As Bretman noted, if F3 doesn't have possession of the ball, s/he better get out of the way.

The point is that a runner can pretty much to anything they want to get to a base other than commit an act of interference or abandon progress for the purpose of drawing an OBS call. Nothing you mentioned here gives me an indication there was any interference. Even if the runner took an angle back to the base that placed himself in the path of a potential throw, still nothing.