Interference.

Question
Runner is on third base. A high foul pop-up is hit near third base. The runner moves a couple of steps off the bag in foul territory. (I am not sure if the runner sees the exact position of the ball). The third basemen runs into the runner in order to take the shortest direction to the fly. The runner does not try to stop the fielder, but is clearly in the way. He has not moved in reaction to the fielder, in order to block the fielder. He was basically stationary when the fielder ran into him.  The ball fell to the ground, but the umpire ruled the batter out due to interference. I realize this is a judgment call, but what part of the obstruction rule deals with unintentional contact. It seems to me a fielder should not be able push a runner out of the way to field a ball. And at least it should not be the runner's fault, thus obstruction.  Or is it the runner's obligation to do everything possible to get out of the way of the fielder. Does foul territory make a difference?

Answer
Hi Ed,

Interference is the act of an offensive player or team member that impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. Obstruction is the act of a defensive player not in possession of the ball or not in the act of fielding a batted ball that hinders a runner legally running the bases.  So in the case above there can be no obstruction by F5.

With very few exceptions defensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball anywhere on the playing field or throw the ball without being hindered.  The runner must vacate any space need by the defense to make a play.

There are also very few situations anymore in softball where "intent" is taken into account in interference and this is NOT one of them.  In ASA play if interference occurs by the runner on a foul fly ball not caught but, in the umpire抯 judgment, could have been caught with ordinary effort had interference not occurred, the runner is out and the batter is also out (this would also apply on a routine fair fly ball). If, in the judgment of the umpire,the foul fly ball could have not be caught with ordinary effort,a strike is called, the ball is dead, and the batter remains at bat. (Slow Pitch) If on the third strike, the batter is out.

In FED play on a routine foul fly ball only the runner is out and it is a foul ball on the batter.

Mark