- May 10, 2021
- 149
- 43
I have seen this multiple times from the C position. SS stays back, runner going to 3rd runs in front, no contact, not even close to contact and the coach wants interference. You cannot have interference when the SS is 5 feet in back of the runner with no contact. Not happening.The fielder has to right to make the play, and the runner does not have "immunity" in any particular line between bases. Sounds like interference but always a "had to be there" play. The thing that does sometimes influence me as an umpire is if the fielder decides to stay where they are and try to field the ball behind the runner. If the runner hinders the fielder's ability to make the play the she interferes. Just running in front isn't interference alone though. If the fielder stays back and doesn't show me that she had any interest in making the play where the runner is, then I don't have interference.