Rules

Interference Case Play

by Bob Nasser, NVBUA Rules Interpreter

In future issues of The Blue Crew News, we will be presenting some articles on the differences in the rule sets (NFHS, NCAA and OBR) and also once we get a definitive answer from VHSL, on the double first base. For this month, I came across this play scenario in an online forum. It is very interesting.

R3 and B4 hits a popout near the third base foul line. R3 interferes with F5.

Seems simple, right? Well, not really…with no outs or one out, the outcome depends on whether the ball is foul or fair. We know from rule 5-1-1d that interference is an immediate dead ball. However, in this circumstance, we need to know whether it is fair or foul. If the ball is fair, F3 is out and B4 is awarded 1B (rule 8-1-2-b). However, if the interference would prevent an obvious double play in the umpire’s judgement (let’s say R3 interferes with F5 will sprinting home with one out), B4 can be also called out (8-4-1-h, 8-4-2-g).

With two outs, the question is who leads off the next inning? The answer is, as usual, it depends. If the ball is foul, then B4 would return to lead off the next inning. However, if the ball is fair, then B4 is considered to have finished his time at bat and B5 would lead off the next inning.

As we can see, it’s a very simple play but there is a lot to unpack. A similar play was presented in the NHFS rules interpretations situation 17 in 2023 here:

That is all for now! Enjoy the last week or so of the season!

Bob Nasser [email protected]