Another interference question

Question
Runners on 1st and 2nd, ball hit over 2nd base into very short center.  Runner on 2nd heads to 3rd but holds up briefly to avoid shortstop but still comes into contact, albeit minimal.  Shortstop had no chance to make play.  Ump makes no call and runner scores.  Fielding team appeals and ump then calls runner out.  Appreciate your expert advice.

Answer
Hi Tim,

I certainly don't have interference here, if F6 had no reasonable opportunity to make a play, it can't be interference.  Interference is the act of an offensive player that impedes, hinders.... a defensive player attempting to execute a play, if there is no play possible by F6 on the batted ball (just chasing after a ball is not a play) there can be no interference.  Interference btw is called immediately when it happens, it is a dead ball, it is NOT an appeal call.

What I might have here is obstruction.  F6 who had no opportunity to field a batted ball hindered R1 who was legally running the bases. The fact that R1 safely advanced would then nullify the obstruction call.

W/out seeing this play, based on your OP, it does not sound to me like the correct call was made.  While interference is a judgment call I think the umpire misunderstands the interference rule, As a coach I would have brought out the "P" word here.

Mark