Doug Kindervater

If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call “interference.” The batter is out and the ball is dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference. If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out — not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is not actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called. IF THE BALL IS DEAD, HOW DOES THE CATCHER MAKE A PLAY?