Interference?

[stl_ump]

R2 / RH batter.

Inside pitch and batter bails out while R2 attempts to steal 3rd.

Batter is now in the way of the catcher making the throw to 3rd.

Interference?

[UmpJM]

If the batter is driven out of the box by the pitch he's going to get some leeway. Depends what he does after the catcher gets the ball.

JM

[ukce1861]

The batter has an obligation to avoid letting the pitch hit him. If he, in the course of avoiding the pitch, impedes the catcher's throw, I would not have interference. Now, if he does something after he avoids the pitch (continues to step back, steps forward into the box, etc) then you could have interference. The batter cannot disappear and has a right to react to the pitch. It's what happens after that reaction that could be judged interference - in my opinion.

[stl_ump]

He is doing nothing. He just stands there out of the box where the pitch "drove him"

But does interference in this case require intent? He is still getting in the way.

[noumpere]

He is doing nothing. He just stands there out of the box where the pitch "drove him"

But does interference in this case require intent? He is still getting in the way.

It doesnt require intent but it does require a batter enduced action and not a pitcher enduced action.

[SnareDrum]

Not sure if I'm quoting exactly, but "any movement by the batter that hinders, distracts, or interferes..."

A definite HTBT, and almost a Catch22... batter can't allow the pitch to hit him, and if he does, he could get called out for INT. A tough call. I agree with ukce1861 that my call would depend on what the batter did immediately after F2 had the ball.

Batter has the "obligation" to not let the pitch hit him, but the catcher has the right to a clean throw. Did the batter think fast when he heard "runner" and sees a pitch coming inside? Would the pitch have hit him or was it just inside? How much movement by the batter occurred after the catcher had the ball? (Remember the days of batters losing their balance swinging just as the catcher tries to throw to 2B?). Yeah, it's a HTBT, but I'm leaning INT.

[johnnyg08]

Not sure if I'm quoting exactly, but "any movement by the batter that hinders, distracts, or interferes..."

A definite HTBT, and almost a Catch22... batter can't allow the pitch to hit him, and if he does, he could get called out for INT. A tough call. I agree with ukce1861 that my call would depend on what the batter did immediately after F2 had the ball.

Batter has the "obligation" to not let the pitch hit him, but the catcher has the right to a clean throw. Did the batter think fast when he heard "runner" and sees a pitch coming inside? Would the pitch have hit him or was it just inside? How much movement by the batter occurred after the catcher had the ball? (Remember the days of batters losing their balance swinging just as the catcher tries to throw to 2B?). Yeah, it's a HTBT, but I'm leaning INT.

If you're a rule book umpire, then yes, you could call INT as it is described.

These are the calls that you get paid to get right. Anybody in the stands can call 95% of your game. This is a judgment decision based on your interpretation of the rule.