Obstruction on the base path.

Question
Short pop up hit to the shortstop in the base path.   Runner going from second to third does not run into fielder but obstructs her enough (not intentionally) so that the catch is not made (infield fly rule does not apply to this case).  Should the runner be called out?

Answer
Hi Tracy,

We have to start with the proper terminology.....the offense interferes....the defense obstructs.

So what you have here is interference.  Interference is the act of an offensive player that impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play.  Interference can be physical contact, verbal or visual distraction or any other type of distraction that hinders the fielder.  Except in very limited circumstances it need not be intentional.

In this case we have a dead ball, the runner who interfered is called out, all other runners return to the last base touched at the time of interference and the b-r is awarded 1st base.

Mark