Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/16/2007

Question
Runners on 1st & 2nd, the batter hits to short, short comes in to field the ball, the runner on 2nd runs into the short stop. The short stop is in the base line at this time. The ump calls obstruction on the runner, puts the runner on 3rd, and calls the batter out! Please give me your opinion on the call...I know mine.  Better yet, please give me the rule on this situation. Thanks!

Answer
Amy,

The umpire made the right call, but didn't apply the right penalty.

The rule book rule is 7.08 (b):

Any 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.
If, however, the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders the fielder, he shall not be called out unless, in the umpire’s judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional. If the umpire declares the hindrance intentional, the following penalty shall apply: With less than two out, the umpire shall declare both the runner and batter out. With two out, the umpire shall declare the batter out.

If the umpire thought the obstruction was intentional, he should have called both the runner and the batter out.  If he thought it was accidental, only the runner should be out.

Hope this helps!

Brian