The base umpire made an interesting ruling in the bottom of the fifth inning during this afternoon's game versus Bridgeport. Trent Sichelski hit a foul pop fly towards the third base dugout. Bridgeport's third baseman came over to make a play and dropped the ball. The umpire ruled that the players on the Warriors' bench hindered the fielder's ability to make the play by yelling that he was going to hit the fence.
Official Baseball Rules (OBR) define OFFENSIVE INTERFERENCE as any act that "obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play." There is nothing in the Official Baseball Rules (200) that says that the act must be physical.
However, the application of the interference rule for "verbal" interference is not consistently applied. In reality, it is rarely called.
For those who are interested in baseball rules, CLICK HERE to view an interesting article regarding this topic.
2011 Chicagoland Tournament Champions & 2011 Lombard Tournament Champions!
