Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/8/2010

Question
Hi Brian,

I am a coach of 8-9 year olds at the coach pitch level. We fall uner the Child and Youth Services (CYS) for the Department of the Army. Our team consist of children whose parents are active duty military, contractors, and civilians stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

My question involves a play that occured at our game today, and I want to ensure that I teach the players the correct response. My team (The Marlins) were on defense. I play one player in the pitcher position in order to play the balls that a picher would normally play. Here is what happen: The player at bat hit a fair ball that rolled along the right field line, between Home plate and first base. My pitcher ran over to retireve the ball in order to throw the runner out at first base. My pitcher attempted to grab the ball, droped it, and collided with the runner. Now neither player did this intentionally. The runner got up in order to continue his run to first base (at the same time I told my pitcher to pick up the ball and tag him out, which he did)
Some of the parents were upset on the other team because they felt that the runner was not out.
What is your take on this?

Thank you,

John

Answer
John,

Without seeing the play, I believe you made the right call.  A runner may not hinder a fielder when they are trying to make a play.  Here's the clause from the rulebook:

"The runner is out when:

(b) He intentionally interferes with a thrown ball; or hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a batted ball;
Rule 7.08(b) Comment: A runner who is adjudged to have hindered a fielder who is attempting to make a play on a batted ball is out whether it was intentional or not."

Hope this helps!

Brian