In the intricate world of baseball, understanding the nuances of rules like runner interference can make all the difference between a winning play and a costly mistake.
Runner interference occurs when a baserunner illegally changes the course of play, affecting the fielder’s ability to make a play on a batted ball.
This rule isn’t just about physical contact; even actions that hinder a fielder’s attempt can be deemed interference.
It’s a common misconception to confuse obstruction with interference. While obstruction involves a fielder hindering a runner, interference is all about the runner’s actions impacting the fielders.