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laphroaig
Joined: 01/01/2005
Posts: 77,683
Likes: 83,198
laphroaig
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The runner must allow the fielder to field the ball. If a runner standing

on 2nd base, STANDING with her foot on 2nd base, is hit by a line drive with a fielder behind ready to catch the ball - the runner is out - runners interference. Fielder has right to base path over the runner when fielding a batted ball. Runner is expected to avoid the fielder.
Posted: 07/24/2026 at 09:28 AM ET
(In response to this post by 2hhoop3)

Thread Replies (49)

Full Thread →
What a terrible way to end a LL Regional game
VTChip • 07/23/26 07:06 PM ET
Here’s a screenshot of the call
VTChip • 07/23/26 07:12 PM ET
Contact isn't necessary and neither is intent to distract by the runner. **
laphroaig • 07/24/26 12:02 PM ET
Distraction. Though on a force play, runner should have right
VAHokie89 • 07/24/26 10:52 AM ET
I don't think there is a softball or baseball rulebook that agrees with
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 11:06 AM ET
I did not use the term absolute right of way
VAHokie89 • 07/24/26 12:33 PM ET
Nor can you hinder or impede a fielder fielding an initial batted ball,
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 12:41 PM ET
I know……..**
VAHokie89 • 07/24/26 12:41 PM ET
Good, so I've gotten you to change your mind from your initial post above.**
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 12:44 PM ET
No. Never min. You took my original post past any intended, communicated
VAHokie89 • 07/24/26 04:18 PM ET
You are correct. There isn't a rulebook that states that.**
laphroaig • 07/24/26 12:00 PM ET
In fairness, a still shot re: an umpire's judgment call on interference or
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:24 AM ET
This?
TomTurkey • 07/23/26 09:04 PM ET
"changes the fielder's attempt" - that's what happened here.**
laphroaig • 07/24/26 09:37 AM ET
Yeah, I will say Little League's interference rule may make it an even
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:47 AM ET
Other than a visual distraction, I don't see any issue
VTChip • 07/23/26 09:31 PM ET
How much money did you have on Nevada?**
LTHokie • 07/24/26 06:42 AM ET
So there was a distraction.**
laphroaig • 07/23/26 10:08 PM ET
Like pornography, we know when we see it! 😉**
TomTurkey • 07/24/26 04:45 PM ET
Here's the play from ESPN
VTChip • 07/23/26 11:07 PM ET
What's interesting to me is you immediately see the 3rd base umpire signal
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:30 AM ET
I thought the fielder checked up
Nova Hokie 95 • 07/24/26 10:57 AM ET
Yours is a reasonable judgment. That 3rd base umpire is obviously very good
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 11:04 AM ET
I think I've mentioned to you ...
Nova Hokie 95 • 07/24/26 11:09 AM ET
Northern Virginia treats softball umpires pretty well. I've certainly had
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 11:16 AM ET
I found when an umpires hustles, the fans appreciate the work. The ump who
laphroaig • 07/24/26 11:52 AM ET
Agree, no call ....
hokietony • 07/24/26 08:42 AM ET
Contact certainly not required, it's just more common for youth players to
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:38 AM ET
Youth don't know the game like experienced players. Makes officiating the
laphroaig • 07/24/26 11:56 AM ET
Distraction can be enough but there was more than distraction in this case.
laphroaig • 07/24/26 09:35 AM ET
The runner actually took a path to avoid the fielder ....
hokietony • 07/24/26 10:15 AM ET
Took the front path, should have taken the back path. The fielder could
laphroaig • 07/24/26 10:27 AM ET
And the fielder could back up to get a bounce. Thus IIWII. Then the call..
TomTurkey • 07/25/26 11:40 AM ET
As a former hi school ump, I'm good with that call. Runner caused the
laphroaig • 07/24/26 04:05 AM ET
Yeah, I don't think the television angle gives great evidence of that but
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:32 AM ET
Video gave plenty of evidence to make the call.**
laphroaig • 07/24/26 11:43 AM ET
I'm seeing the same thing you are. Painful all around but I agree.**
GobblerCE • 07/24/26 09:39 AM ET
Runner should have run behind the fielder but runners first thought is the
laphroaig • 07/24/26 10:00 AM ET
Didn't see the play....
2hhoop3 • 07/24/26 09:05 AM ET
An umpire protects 1 fielder who has an absolute right to field an initial
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:35 AM ET
Correct. Runner may be in her base path but her timing and placement
laphroaig • 07/24/26 11:45 AM ET
The runner must allow the fielder to field the ball. If a runner standing ◄
laphroaig • 07/24/26 09:28 AM ET
Thanks......
2hhoop3 • 07/24/26 09:53 AM ET
It's why runners on 3rd stand or lead off in foul territory.**
TomTurkey • 07/24/26 01:44 PM ET
Yeah, but they're out of the base path! :-)**
laphroaig • 07/24/26 04:14 PM ET
As an ump, I allowed 2-3 feet on the basepath thingy. Some swing out farthr
TomTurkey • 07/24/26 04:42 PM ET
Ummmm, that's the only time the 3 foot base path rule applies is when a tag
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 04:55 PM ET
Or any path they must to avoid the fielder. It doesn't have to be a
laphroaig • 07/25/26 05:46 AM ET
Pretty much. Not saying I ruled on the free lance runner.
TomTurkey • 07/24/26 04:59 PM ET
There may be some codes in baseball / softball that does protect a runner
BG Hokie • 07/24/26 10:36 AM ET