Expert: Rick Bundy - 4/27/2009

Question
I was umpiring a game when a batter hit a pop-up towards the 3rd baseball in foul territory.  The 3rd baseman moved towards the pop-up in the wrong direction and the 3rd base coach moved to be out of his way accordingly.  The 3rd baseman then changed his course to move to the ball and bumped into the 3rd base coach.  I called the batter out for interference on the coach's part even though he tried to get out of the way.  He argued that he tried to and I pointed out that it doesn't matter, he must avoid being in the way of the fielder even if he changed direction.  This was the beginning of a protracted discussion during and after the game.  I emphasized with the coach that it appeared that he tried to get out of the way, but as umpire I had to protect the fielder's opportunity to make the play.  Your thoughts?

Answer
Mark:  Thank you for your question.

You didn't mention which level of baseball you are umpiring; but here are two Little League interpretations.

Having coached high school baseball for 34 years, I have always felt it is the coaches responsibility to get himself clear.  If the fielders situation changes, for whatever reason, the coach needs to stay active and get out of the way.  As they say in the Florida ruling below, the interference doesn't need to be deliberate.

From LL Rule 7.11 ~ The players, coaches or any member of an offensive team shall vacate any space(including both dugouts)needed by a fielder who is attempting to field a batted or thrown ball.

Penalty:  Interference shall be called and the batter or runner on whom the play is being made shall be declared out.


Ruling from the Florida District 9 Umpires Association:

What can constitute interference?

Failing to get out of the way of a fielder who is making a play on a batted ball, regardless of where the fielder is at the time.

Example:  Ball is popped up near first and the first baseman collides with the coach while trying to catch it, this is interference.  Note that, in this case, the interference does not have to be deliberate.

I believe you made the right call.  I am sure the coach was upset because he made an attempt to get out of the way.  The responsibility to do so still remains with the coach, not the fielder.

Good luck with your umpiring.  An enormous debt of gratitude is owed to all those who take on this task, no matter what the level.  You are a dedicated group of individuals who seldom get the credit they deserve.

Yours in baseball,

Rick