A fan's guide to interference

Luckily, when the Philadelphia copycat fan ran on the field two days ago and demolished Cole Hamels' focus, the effect wasn't Bartman-esque. Nobody's playoff dreams hinged on the game, and the Phils got the victory in extra innings anyway. However, for a city that claims to have a knowledgeable fanbase, the timing of the outfield jog was ill-conceived (and not just because another loose fan was tased on the previous night). That stunt could've cost the Phils the game.

Philadelphia fans need a refresher course on when it behooves the home team for a fan to interfere with the game. So, I present
A Fan's Guide to Interference.

1) When to run on the field. Just as we saw on Tuesday night's game, a break in the game's rhythm can throw a hot pitcher off. So, if CC Sabathia is mowing down Phillies like so many leaves of grass, it's a good time to take the express train to tase-heaven. Conversely, you NEVER run onto the field when a Phillies pitcher is dealing, especially when it's an easily perturbed hurler like Cole Hamels. Nincompoops.

2) When to battle a fielder for a foul ball. As soon as a fly ball breaks the plane of the spectator's side of the wall dividing the stands from the field, spectators are allowed to catch the ball. So, if A-Rod is trying to catch a Shane Victorino pop-up in foul territory, you should jump up and grab the ball as soon as it breaks that spectator-wall plane. Don't let that jerk push you out of the way; block him with your body and smack his glove (the smack might get you ejected, but it is ok to interfere with a player trying to catch the ball in your spectator space. Just remember not to assault him). If you let A-Rod catch that ball in your house, you just cost your team an out.

Beware, if you reach out and snatch the ball from A-Rod's clutches while it is still in the field of play, the umpire will call interference and award an out. And you'll probably get ejected. No point in that. Better to scream "Like a Virgin!" in A-Rod's face to break his concentration.

On the flip side of this, if A-Rod hits a pop-up in foul territory and Jimmy Rollins ranges over to the wall to catch it, lean back and let Jimmy do his thing. Don't mess with Jimmy or the ball in such a situation and give him room to reach out to make the catch. Catch him if he falls into the stands.

3) When to battle an outfielder for a deep ball at the outfield fence. The same spectator-side wall rules apply to the outfield fence that apply along the side of the field. As soon as the ball enters no-man's-land (the stands), a fan can swipe a ball, or knock it away, from an outfielder's glove. So if Chase Utley drives a ball deep and Jeff Francoeur tries to catch it over the wall, pluck your prize from the air and let Chase round the bags. But if Jayson Werth is trying to make a leaping catch over the wall, keep your hands on your cheesefries.

Interfering with a ball that isn't going to make it over the outfield fence or touching a ball before it clears the fence probably doesn't make sense now that umpires can use instant replay. Close calls are left up to an umpire's judgment, and he might rule contrary to a fan's intention. I think that if you're going to mess with a deep fly ball at the outfield wall, the best bet is to leave it alone until it reaches the spectator-wall plane.

4) When to lean over the rail and touch a ball in play. As soon as a fan reaches down and touches a ball in play, the umpire will call a dead ball and award whatever bases or outs he thinks would've occurred if not for the interference. The ump holds all the aces here, so there isn't much you can do.

There is virtually no reason to touch a ball hit by the Phillies that ends up kicking around the side of the field. The most likely effect will be that the umpire will award the Phillies fewer bases than they could've rounded without your help. The umpire is definitely not going to award bonus bases on account of your helping hand.

On a ball hit by the opposing team, grabbing a ball that rolls in front of the stands can theoretically be helpful, but it requires a fan of quick wits and a scout's knowledge of the other team. There are two scenarios in which it might make sense to grab a ball hit by the other team:

• The player on the opposing team is very fast and isn't close to 2nd base yet, and in your estimation the Phillies can't field the ball in time to prevent a triple. The hope is that the umpire will hold the runner at second base. If you're worried about screwing up, don't try it.
• There is already a runner at 1st base who hasn't reached 2nd base, and in your estimation that player is going to score before the Phillies can field the ball and throw home. The hope is that the umpire tells the lead runner to stay at 3rd base. A risky play for a fan that can get you reviled by the whole stadium.

5) When to throw objects. Come on, man. Never.