- \n
- We know we have interference. Definitions of Terms (interference)(a)<\/a><\/strong> gives us that.<\/li>\n
- We know that interference is an immediate dead ball, so the instant R3 touched the ball, the play was over.<\/li>\n
- We know someone needs to be called out for the interference. However, an offensive player who is not a batter or base runner cannot be put out, and R3 is no longer a runner because he crossed the plate before he interfered.<\/li>\n
- Once interference occurs, no runner may advance beyond the base they last touched prior to the interference. This puts R2 back on third base (probably).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Now what?<\/h3>\n
So now we actually have two decisions to make. First, does the run by F3 crossing the plate score? And second, whom do we call out?<\/p>\n
- \n
- Does the run score? Yes, it does. The interference occurred after R3 crossed the plate, so the run scores.<\/li>\n
- Who is out? Well, for this we turn to Rule 6.01(a)(5)<\/a><\/strong>, where we learn that \u201cAny batter or runner who has just been put out, or any runner who has just scored, hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate.\u201d Therefore, you call R2 out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
In other words, there is a presumption that had the interference not occurred, the defense had a play on R2, but that the opportunity was impeded by the actions of R3.<\/p>\n
A caveat<\/h3>\n
During this morning\u2019s discussion of this scenario, the rulings that I present were\u00a0not unanimously held. A couple of those on the discussion board felt that the \u201ccatch\u201d by R3 was probably inadvertent. We know from Rule 5.09(b)(3)<\/a><\/strong> that a runner struck by a thrown ball is not out for interference (unless the runner intentionally touched the ball), and some felt that our scenario falls more into the category of a runner struck by thrown ball than runner interfering. Everyone agreed that more information would help clarify, and that one really had to be there and seen it themselves to be 100% certain of their call. Nevertheless, I stand by my ruling that the \u201ccatch\u201d and \u201cstep\u201d by R3 is a determining factor in ruling interference.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
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