1st base base line

In a situation like this, I believe the runner has to be in the runner's lane (or whatever the technical name is) in foul territory once he gets halfway down the line. However, I'm unsure what the ruling is before the runner gets to the runner's lane. So, I guess you can consider this half of an answer.

It cannot be interference until/unless there's a play (the catcher has to throw here). It has to be a 'quality throw' (i.e., a throw with a legitimate chance to retire the runner).

IF the runner has a foot o/s the lane in the second 45ft, and IF there's a quality throw, and IF such throw strikes the runner, THEN we have interference.

This assumes no INTENTIONAL interference by the runner, however.

What if the runner hears "inside" and then crosses over to the fair side of the foul line hoping to get in the way. The ball doesn't hit him, but the runner obscures the view enough to keep the first baseman from catching the ball. Is that interference?

Next question - how about if the runner is on the inside the whole way and just happens to obscure the view enough to to prevent the catch?

quote:

Originally posted by Rob Kremer:
What if the runner hears "inside" and then crosses over to the fair side of the foul line hoping to get in the way. The ball doesn't hit him, but the runner obscures the view enough to keep the first baseman from catching the ball. Is that interference?

Possibly, if the runner has at least a foot outside the running lane at the time of the throw. Tough call, though. Catchers and first basemen are supposed to be able to execure a simple play like this.

quote:

Next question - how about if the runner is on the inside the whole way and just happens to obscure the view enough to to prevent the catch?

what do you mean by "on the inside?" Hes either in the lane or he is not, its very clear.

If the BR is to the left of the foul line, even with just one foot, and he interferes with the throw then he is called out. It doesn't require he to be hit but anything else requires a little umpiring.