AboutDr. Mark R. Ambrose Expertise I can answer all questions about book rules and "case book" rules governing the playing of ASA softball. Have a REAL situation that happened and are not sure the proper rule was applied, ask me.
Experience I am a registered ASA umpire, a MASA "At-Large" umpire since 1996 and a retired District Umpire-In-Chief. I have very extensive experience in MASA State Championship and ASA national qualifying tournament play both as an umpire and an Umpire-In-Chief. I completed 3 ASA National Schools including the ASA national advanced umpire school in Ok City("Bernie" for those who know him was the lead clinician, I survived the week and couldn't let my kids watch the game tapes when I got home. No, I love you Bernie). I was one of 4 "Yankee" umpires selected to umpire the Men's D National East Championship in 2002 in Winter Haven FL
Organizations Amateur Softball Association (The authority in softball)
Question ASA slow pitch softball: Runner on first, No outs: Batter hits pop-up between first and home. First baseball attempting to run for popup is accidentally tripped by baserunner leaving first base. The ball lands in fair territory, then rolls foul before ever passing first base.
The umpire ruled the baserunner out for interference and awarded the batter first base stating that interference by the baserunner killed the play and the ball landed fair before rolling foul. Is he correct? Also, what would have happenned if the pitcher caught the ball?
Answer Hi Gary,
Interference need not be intentional in this case. The umpire felt R1 impeded or hindered F3 attempting to execute a play.
Once we have interference the ball is dead so what happens after that doesn't matter. The b-r is awarded 1st base.
