I got into a disagreement with the ump last night over what I thought was a bad call. There were runners on second and third with two outs. A ground ball was hit to the shortstop and the runner on second intentionally slowed to block the ball from the shortstops view. The runner did not touch the ball or come close to shortstop but was still called out. I told the ump that as long as the runner stays within the baselines and does not physically touch a fielder that there is no interference. What’s the call?

[Edited by khaas on Jun 24th, 2003 at 11:23 AM]

khaas,

If in the judgement of the umpire that made the call, the
runners action hinders, or confused the defensive players
attempt at fielding the ball, then this was the correct
call. There does not have to be contact for intereference.
Interference can be physical, visiual or verbal. You did
state she [R] did intentionally slow her pace. Sounds like
an act to confuse, or hinder to me.

JMO.

glen

This statement is not true. As you describe the situation, sounds like interference to me. See this thread.