Baserunner interference

Question
QUESTION: With a runner on first, and two outs, a ground ball was hit to the 2nd baseman.  2nd baseman set up to field the ball 2-3 feet behind the basepath.  Runner from 1st base jumped over the ball on way to 2nd, and the 2nd baseman failed to field the ball, probably distracted and/or screened by the base runner.  No contact was made with either the fielder or the ball, and the fielder was not prevented from moving to the ball, but the runner was called out for interference.  Since I can't find a definition of interference I'm not sure whether the was or wasn't.

ANSWER: James:  Thank you for your question.

In this situation it sounds like everyone did what they were supposed to.  There is no clear cut statement in the rules which states that the runner cannot cross in front of the fielder, or that the runner has to stop and let the ball pass before he is able to continue.

While it makes for a tougher play for the fielder, he had the required space between himself and the runner.  Just because the fielder failed to make the play, doesn't necessarily make the runner out.

Whether or not the runner purposely timed his route so that he had to jump over the ball becomes a interpretation of the umpire.  If he feels the timing was purposely set up, it becomes his judgement call.  That may be why he called the runner out.  It wouldn't be an arguable call, as it was at his discretion, not by specific and clear rule.

The runner has the right to run to the next base he is forced to, he would only have to redirect his route if the fielder was set up in the base path.  If the timing was correct he should be able to jump over the ball to avoid being hit and continue on towards second.  

To slow down and wait for the ball to cross would put the runner at a disadvantage, as the fielder could then record the out at second on the shorter throw, eliminating what may have been a tougher out at first due to the slowness of the ball hit.

Yours in baseball,

Rick

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

QUESTION: Not really a question, just clarification.  It was my impression that the runner was going as fast as possible to 2nd, with no thought given to timing the route.  Thank you very much for a quick and clear answer.

Answer
James:  If the runner was just attempting to get to second and made no attempt to time out the ground ball, the play should stand on it's own, no call by the umpire.

The runner can't interfere with the fielder fielding the ball; but he isn't required to stop or slow down to let the ball go by.  That would create an unfair situation for the runner.

Rick