Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/25/2007

Question
QUESTION: Can an offensive player standing in the doorway of the dugout catch a foul ball, or is this interference if the baseman is trying to make the play? Can you tell me where to find the rule in the rule book?

ANSWER: Robert,

This is interference on the offensive player's team.

The rule in the major league rulebook is as follows:

"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."

Hope this helps!

Brian



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: New question, Does a fielder have to get out of the way of a base runner during a run down, if he has just released the ball?

Answer
Robert,

Yes!  If any fielder is in the baseline without a ball and impedes the runner's progress (according to the judgement of the umpire, then it is interference.

Note, that even if there isn't a collision, if the umpire believes the runner had to slow or avoid the fielder, then they should call interference.

Hope this helps!

Brian