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Runner interference clarification


Question
Dr. Ambrose, I have a follow-up question to an answer you provided on 25 Apr.  The question dealt with a runner coming from first being hit by a thrown ball on a 6-3 double play (F6 fields grounder, steps on 2B, and throws to 1B).

You indicated that this is interference, and since the runner was already out when she was hit, then the "runner closest to home" was also out for her teammate's interference.

I have made this call a few times in the past; however, I have always called the batter-runner out, not another runner who was "closer to home". Have I been making the wrong call?

I am just a volunteer ump in our military base's intramural slow-pitch leagues, so I don't have direct access to the ASA rule book. (been considering a certification, though) However, I've always based my calls in this situation on the similar MLB rule 7.09 (f): "(It is interference by a batter or a runner when) Any batter or runner who has just been put out hinders or impedes any following play being made on a runner. Such runner shall be declared out for the interference of his teammate"

I've always interpreted the above "such runner" to be the batter-runner, since that is the player upon whom the defense was attempting a play when the interference occurred.  I understand I am quoting MLB rules, and this is an ASA league.

Thanks for your clarification.

Answer
Hi Jim,

THANK YOU for your service, God keep you, as I've mentioned before in some answers my only son is Marine Sgt. Ben Ambrose and I'm a proud Marine Dad.

In ASA play when we have interference then by rule if the runner who caused the interference was NOT yet put out and in the judgment of the umpire it was an attempt to prevent a double play the immediate succeeding runner would also be called out.  8-7-j

However if the runner is already out such as a 6-4 and then interferes with a defensive player's opportunity to make a play on another runner (usually to 3) the runner closest to home is also called out by rule 8-7-p.  We would award the b-r 1st base if there was another runner closer to home.  So 1st and 3rd 0 outs would give us 2 outs and a runner on 1st, not a runner on 3rd.

If you send me (privately, just click the private box on another question form) your name and address I will send you a rule book to help you out.

Mark  

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