Experiencing the excitement at the ballpark is truly unparalleled. When you’re at a game, there’s always the possibility of witnessing something unexpected. Isn’t that the truth?
This very thing likely occurred for a multitude of spectators at Petco Park in San Diego on a recent Monday evening. Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts hit a high, long ball towards left field that ultimately landed in the stands, initially being declared a home run. It seemed the ball might have slipped from the glove of Giants left fielder Heliot Ramos and fallen into the crowd.
However, following a review, the call was reversed, and Bogaerts was called out due to interference by a fan. Here’s a look at the moment:
This scenario is particularly unusual and intriguing because it doesn’t seem that the fan or fans actually made physical contact with the ball. The individual in the black shirt on the left clearly missed the ball with both hands.
The explanation given at the stadium was that a fan “reached out over the playing field and interfered with a live ball,” leading to the overturn of the original call.
But is it possible for a fan to cause interference simply by moving their hands in front of a fielder’s vision, thus creating a distraction? Apparently, it is.
Rule 6.01(e) specifies:
In instances where a spectator interferes with a thrown or batted ball, the ball is immediately considered dead, and the umpire will determine the appropriate penalties to counteract the interference. APPROVED RULING: Should spectator interference undeniably prevent a fielder from catching a fly ball, the umpire is obligated to declare the batter out.
In essence, this resembles the “face-guarding” penalty seen in football. Although the fan didn’t touch either the ball or the fielder directly, the rule stipulates that interference can be called if a fan “clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball.”
Considering the circumstances, the replay review led to the correct judgment. Padres manager Mike Shildt disagreed with the decision. Following the ruling, he was ejected from the game for arguing the call with umpire James Hoye.
