Dancing is Interference?

quote:

Originally posted by RedSoxFan21:
Yesterday my son's team had runners on first and second. Son hit grounder to short. Runner from second danced around the ball as it approached shortstop who was ten feet further back. Shortstop juggled the ball. All safe.

But wait, blue called interference on the runner for his 'dance' even though he made no contact with ball or defender. Blue called that runner out.

Is dancing/screening a rule variation I (and the rest of the crowd there) is unaware of?

If the "dance" was done to intentionally screen the fielder, then the ump got it right.

If the runner is dancing in the line of the path of the ball it is probably interference. It is around 13-14 years old they start thinking this is a good idea. NOT!

Sounds like a good call. Interference does not require contact.

It can absolutely be interference. Contact is not needed for an interference call.

OBR 2.00


INTERFERENCE
(a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

Thanks all. Found the balance of the rule helpful as well:

Rule 2 Sec 21;

Interference ; Art 1 - " Offensive interference is an act (physical or verbal) by the team at bat :
a. which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. "

Ruling upon occurence: runner is out immediately; and a double play may be ruled if in the umpire's judgement the batter would have been out on a "clean" play.

Great call considering the vociferous outcry after it. Will spread the word at the park today.