Interference

Did the ball hit the runner? In this case, he's out credit a single to the batter.

If it didn't hit the runner, what happened to the batter? If he was awarded first base, I would credit a single.

This is without looking it up, which I should really do before I post but I don't have my copy of the rules handy at work.

It was strange. The ball DID NOT hit the runner, but the Ump called interference (the runner ran regular speed in a straight line. The runner was called out and batter stayed on first.

quote:

The runner going from first to second crosses between the ball and second baseman.

You can't hinder the fielder making a play on a ball. It doesn't matter that it isn't intentional. I'm going to assume that the 2B wasn't able to charge the ball and that is why the ump ruled interference.

If the batter would have been safe even if the 2B was able to make the play unhindered, then score it a hit.

UNderstood. However, it is my understanding that the runner's right to the base path takes priority to the fielder. This runner ran completely normally to second base. He did not slow down nor leave the base path. It just so happened that when he crossed the second baseman he was between the ball and the fielder. I don't think this is interference if the ball did not touch him. But I could be wrong of course

Just a question related to this. Is it legal for a runner to screen a fielder from a hit ball? You see this all the time with a runner on second that will delay his run to third in order to screen the shortstops view of the ball.

quote:

However, it is my understanding that the runner's right to the base path takes priority to the fielder. This runner ran completely normally to second base

On a batted ball (as opposed to a thrown ball), the fielder has priority to the space needed to field the ball and to throw it. A runner who blocks the fielder's vision could be called for interference, but generally runners are given considerabble leeway to vacillate.

Exceptions:
If two fielders are close to the batted ball, the umpire gives protection to one, but not to the other fielder, who conceivably could obstruct the runner.

A runner who is touching his base is not guilty of interference if contact with a fielder occurs, unless his action was intentional.

For a batted ball just in front the plate, contact between the catcher and the batter/runner is normally incidental contact, and is neither ruled interference nor obstruction.

Thanks for the responses!