Batter Interference

[UmpIowa]

This is probably a really easy question. Working USSSA 12u. R2 is stealing third with a right handed batter. What are the batters responsibility to get out of the way. I always thought that the batter was supposed to remain in the box. Any movement from the box would be classified as interference. Any help would be great thanks.

[mstaylor]

On a pitch caught by the catcher, or it is within reach, the batter needs to stay still. Moving around will probably cause a problem. 6.06c

[txump81]

The way I have been taught is if the batter stays in the box, they have to do something intentional to get called for B-INT. Once they are out of the box, they are more likely to get called for it. Also, when R3 is coming home with a right handed batter, the real "interference" the batter causes is with his own runner.

[noumpere]

The way I have been taught is if the batter stays in the box, they have to do something intentional to get called for B-INT.

Youve been taught wrong. The batter is allowed to take the pitch or a normal swing any other movement even if hes trying to step back to give the catcher a throwing lane makes him subject to interference assuming there is any. He cant step back he cant step forward he cant swing and fall over the plate which they only do when a runner is stealing exceterra

[Thunderheads]

The way I have been taught is if the batter stays in the box, they have to do something intentional to get called for B-INT.

Youve been taught wrong. The batter is allowed to take the pitch or a normal swing any other movement even if hes trying to step back to give the catcher a throwing lane makes him subject to interference assuming there is any. He cant step back he cant step forward he cant swing and fall over the plate which they only do when a runner is stealing exceterra

isn't that kind of what he's saying too? But, you were just more 'detailed' ;)

[mstaylor]

I think he balked at the use of "intentional." If he swings there is no problem. If he goes moving around for anything else it is going to cause him to be called. Of course, the manager is going to cry it was unintentional.

[sdix00]

I don't usually steal posts from other sites, BUT this is an excellent explanation to a very good question. To good to ignore. Apologies for stealing.

The rules are not very clear about this but there are two kinds of batter's interference.

Type 1 is the batter interfering with the catcher's attempt to throw the ball to 1B, 2B, or 3B in order to retire a runner.

Type 2 is the batter hindering the defense's attempt to retire a runner who is advancing to home plate.

The batter NEVER has to move or vacate the batter's box for Type 1 situations where the catcher is attempting to throw the ball to 1B, 2B, or 3B in order to retire a runner.

The batter sometimes has to move or vacate the batter's box for Type 2 situations where the defense is attempting to retire a runner who is advancing to home plate. The batter has the right to stay in the box as long as needs to if he is attempting to hit the pitch. If the runner shows up at HP at the same moment the batter is trying to hit the pitch then the batter has the right to be there and if he is in the catcher's way, too bad, it's legal. If the batter takes the pitch and then has an opportunity to move out of the catcher's way, then he must move out of the catcher's way.