Interference with F3 on Fly Ball

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

I wish they would use that term (DDB) - it would be more clear. However, I'm saying this based on videos from the clinics.

Unfortunately, the rule only implies it, and doesn't state it outright. Here's one place:

12.19.1.4 Physical contact by the base runner with a fielder attempting to field
a fair batted ball or a foul ball that might become fair shall be interference,
provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play and was
prevented from doing so.

I obviously do not have all the publications, but I read this as saying there actually has to be a play available to the defender for INT to apply. IOW, the defender had a play, not just running toward a ball with absolutely no possibility of getting anyone out even if the INT was not evident.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

I obviously do not have all the publications, but I read this as saying there actually has to be a play available to the defender for INT to apply. IOW, the defender had a play, not just running toward a ball with absolutely no possibility of getting anyone out even if the INT was not evident.

provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play and was
prevented from doing so.

I agree that what you said and "provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play" are equivalent. But if that is what the rulesmaker's intent was they would not have added, "and was prevented from doing so".

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play and was
prevented from doing so.

I agree that what you said and "provided the fielder had a reasonable chance to make a play" are equivalent. But if that is what the rulesmaker's intent was they would not have added, "and was prevented from doing so".

A little clearer.

I used to play with a SS that dove for anything. I mean anything! 20' away when he hit the ground, but he dove for the ball. He was attempting to make a play, but he had no shot at doing so. If a runner was going from 2B to 3B and this guy dove for a ball up the middle that there was no chance to make a play and flew into that runner, I'm not calling INT.

To me, that is how that rule reads. Granted, it may not be well written, but that is how this hi skuel gratiate reads it.