AI Overview
A base runner interferes with a fielder's throw in the MLB by impeding the fielder's ability to receive the throw, with the penalty depending on intent and the situation. If intentional, the runner is out, the ball is dead, and a second runner may also be called out, especially in a double play scenario. If unintentional, the runner is out, but this is often due to a violation of a specific rule, like not staying in the runner's lane when the fielder is making a play at first base.
Intentional interference
Runner out: The runner who intentionally interferes with a throw is called out, and the ball is dead.
Double play: If the interference is on a play that would have been a double play, the umpire can also call the batter-runner out, resulting in two outs.
Example: A runner intentionally kicks a thrown ball to break up a double play.
Unintentional interference
Runner out: An unintentional act that hinders a fielder's play will result in the runner being called out.
Runner's lane violation: A runner is out for interfering with the throw at first base if they are outside the runner's lane and impede the fielder receiving the throw.
Example: A runner is hit by a thrown ball while not in the runner's lane.
Key takeaways
Defensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball and make a throw without being hindered.
Intentional interference is judged by the umpire and results in a harsher penalty (two outs on a double play).
A runner may not be called out for being hit by a ball that has already been deflected by a fielder, but could be if they deliberately kick it.
A runner is awarded bases if a fielder throws the ball out of play, but they must touch all bases.
A base runner interferes with a fielder's throw in the MLB by impeding the fielder's ability to receive the throw, with the penalty depending on intent and the situation. If intentional, the runner is out, the ball is dead, and a second runner may also be called out, especially in a double play scenario. If unintentional, the runner is out, but this is often due to a violation of a specific rule, like not staying in the runner's lane when the fielder is making a play at first base.
Intentional interference
Runner out: The runner who intentionally interferes with a throw is called out, and the ball is dead.
Double play: If the interference is on a play that would have been a double play, the umpire can also call the batter-runner out, resulting in two outs.
Example: A runner intentionally kicks a thrown ball to break up a double play.
Unintentional interference
Runner out: An unintentional act that hinders a fielder's play will result in the runner being called out.
Runner's lane violation: A runner is out for interfering with the throw at first base if they are outside the runner's lane and impede the fielder receiving the throw.
Example: A runner is hit by a thrown ball while not in the runner's lane.
Key takeaways
Defensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball and make a throw without being hindered.
Intentional interference is judged by the umpire and results in a harsher penalty (two outs on a double play).
A runner may not be called out for being hit by a ball that has already been deflected by a fielder, but could be if they deliberately kick it.
A runner is awarded bases if a fielder throws the ball out of play, but they must touch all bases.
