ASA runner touching thrown ball

[irishmafia]

But now, we're starting to judge intent again. And yes, you sometimes have to take that into consideration, but unless he swats the ball away from the defender and takes a possible play away, I'd have a tough time calling it interference.

We hear it over and over - it's not interference unless it's an act that actually hinders the defense. How's this any different? If the ball was going to hit him, then it's not interference.

Now, if he swats it away from the fielder, the ball goes to the outfield, and the runner then tries for second, you'd definitely have interference.

Again, the rule makes no mention of dealing with a play, but a thrown ball. Putting a hand or arm up or ducking or trying to turn away from the ball would be protecting oneself, but watching for and then reaching out and swatting it away is, IMO, interfering with a thrown ball.