re: Question about Hale's catch in foul territory saturday

quote:

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Yep, they don't have to move, same as standing in the on deck circle or being a coach in a coaching box

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You better believe a player in the on deck circle and a coach in the box has to move. They are in the field of play and if they get in the way of a fielder trying to make a play, they can very easily be called for interference. Even the players in the dug out can interfere with the act of "making a play."

"INTERFERENCE is an act by the team at bat (notice it says "TEAM") which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. Note the "make a play" phrase.
There are instances where the runner or batter are given some latitude. A runner is not out when hit by a deflected batted ball, unless the umpire judges the runner intentionally was hit to hinder a play or another fielder had a play on the ball. A runner is not out for being hit with a thrown ball unless the act was intentional. The batter is not expected to evaporate while in the batter's box. If he could not reasonably avoid a play because he just swung or ducked a pitch, he is safe. He can be called for interference while inside the batter's box.

There are no "safety zones" on the field. See rule 7.11 which states that the offense must vacate all space necessary for a fielder to make a play. You cannot have interference unless somebody is making a play. A play is a throw, attempted throw, or attempted tag of a runner or of a base for a force out.
The batter's box, the coach's box, the running lane, the dugout and the base path are not automatic safety zones. An offensive team member MAY be called out for interference in some situations while occupying any of these spaces." [Emphasis added]
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