Interference

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by UmpireErnie

All I am saying is it could take a beat or two after the runner hinders the fielder before I can decide if there was the possibility of an out when a runner hinders a fielder who may be attempting to catch a fair batted ball.

As soon as I have that it is a dead ball. Not DDB. Any I would submit that my small (probably not even noticed) pause is not a misinterp of the rules which could be protested.

Maybe I should put it this way, and we probably do agree. I'm not suggesting that the call be made immediately upon seeing some action which may be INT, but when you do see something that could be INT, you do need to find the ball and make a decision then. IOW, if it was INT, you are not waiting to see what unfolds in front of you before deciding to call or apply the penalty.