Interference and obstruction
WBSC · 2026–2029Interference generally involves an offensive player hindering a defender’s play, such as blocking a fielder trying to field a batted ball. Obstruction generally involves a defender illegally hindering a batter or runner, including blocking a runner without the ball while not fielding a batted ball. They have different consequences.
The rule
Interference generally involves an offensive player hindering a defender’s play, such as blocking a fielder trying to field a batted ball. Obstruction generally involves a defender illegally hindering a batter or runner, including blocking a runner without the ball while not fielding a batted ball. They have different consequences.
In practice
Runner obstruction usually begins as a delayed dead ball, allowing the play to develop before bases are awarded according to what would have happened without the hindrance. Offensive interference can produce a dead ball and an out. A runner must not deliberately crash into a waiting defender holding the ball; flagrant contact can also lead to ejection.
Sources & approach ↗