OFFICIAL BASEBALL RULES

Rule 6.01Rule 6.01(a )(10) Comment (Rule 7.09(j) Comment): When acatcher and batter-runner going to first base have contact whenthe catcher is fielding the ball, there is generally no violationand nothing should be called. “Obstruction” by a fielderattempting to field a ball should be called only in very flagrantand violent cases because the rules give him the right of way,but of course such “right of way” is not a license to, for example,intentionally trip a runner even though fielding the ball. Ifthe catcher is fielding the ball and any fielder, including thepitcher, obstructs a runner going to first base, “obstruction”shall be called and the base runner awarded first base.(11) A fair ball touches him on fair territory before touching afielder. If a fair ball goes through, or by, an infielder, andtouches a runner immediately back of him, or touches therunner after having been deflected by a fielder, theumpire shall not declare the runner out for being touchedby a batted ball. In making such decision the umpire mustbe convinced that the ball passed through, or by, thefielder, and that no other infielder had the chance to makea play on the ball. If, in the judgment of the umpire, therunner deliberately and intentionally kicks such a battedball on which the infielder has missed a play, then therunner shall be called out for interference.PENALTY FOR INTERFERENCE: The runner is outand the ball is dead.If the umpire declares the batter, batter-runner, or a runnerout for interference, all other runners shall return to the lastbase that was in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched atthe time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by theserules. (Definition of Terms (Interference))In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base,all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time ofthe pitch; provided, however, if during an intervening play at theplate with less than two outs a runner scores, and then the batterrunneris called out for interference outside the three-foot lane,the runner is safe and the run shall count. (Definition of Terms(Interference) Comment)62