Baseball is a game that regularly moves at a leisurely pace and is played in a peaceful setting. The pitcher pitches, the batter swing and the fielders make plays. Then it's done all over again. However, the pace of the game can go from 0-to-100 in an instant. When interference occurs in the game, managers, coaches and players tend to argue and get loud. If the umpire makes a call in favor of the team team that has been interfered with, he will usually hear an argument to the contrary from the opponent. If he ignores the interference, he will hear from the aggrieved team. Interference calls are usually controversial.
Interference vs. Obstruction
An interference call is made by the umpire when a fielder trying to make a play is denied that opportunity by a batter or a baserunner. For example, the second baseman has the right to field a groundball hit at him. If the runner on first base takes a straight line to second and hits the second baseman before he has a chance to catch the ball, he is interfering with the fielder. The rules state the fielder always has the right to make a play on the baseball and the runner could have avoided the contact by going around the fielder. In this case, the runner is called out as a result of the collision and the umpire may award a double play if he believes that would have been the result of the play. When the fielder prevents the baserunner from getting to his base, that is called obstruction. Here's an example: There's a runner on first base and the next batter hits a single to right field. The runner on first base decides to go from first to third base. As he rounds second, the shortstop fails to get out of his path and the two collide. In this case, obstruction is called and the runner is awarded the next base.
Umpire's Interference
Umpire's interference can take place on a batted ball. Umpires are placed at each of the bases in professional baseball. That allows the umpire to easily make a call that happens at his base. The batter may hit a hard one-hop line drive that appears to be a clean base hit. With a runner on second base, it appears a run will score on the play. However, the drive hits the second-base umpire on the leg. At that point the play is over and the ball is dead. The batter is credited with a hit and goes to first base, but the runner can only go as far as third base and must stop there.
Spectator Interference
Fans in attendance at baseball games are there to root for their teams and many would love to come away with a souvenir. One of the souvenirs that fans want to receive is a foul ball. A ball that is popped into the stands in foul territory is fair game for the fans. The fielder can reach over the railings in an attempt to catch the ball, but the fan has no obligation to get out of the way. However, a fan who reaches out into the field of play to try to catch a ball--fair or foul--is guilty of interference. If the fan prevents a fielder from making a play, the umpire can make an "out" call at his discretion. For example, if the umpire believes the first baseman would have caught the foul ball, he will call the batter out. He will also direct stadium officials to put the interfering fan out of the stadium.
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