Need Rule Cite - Umpire Interference

[grayhawk]

I volunteered to proofread our Fed Study Guide and received it yesterday.  There is a question and I know the answer, but cannot find the correct rule cite.

 

R1 is stealing when the catcher’s hits the umpire’s mask on the throw and the ball goes into center field. The runner tries for third and is thrown out by the center fielder.

 

a.       Runner on 1^st is returned to second.

b.      Runner on 1^st is called out if the umpire believes the interference prevented the catcher’s throw from retiring R1.

c.       This is not umpire interference; the umpire is a part of the field. The play stands.

d.      Since the initial throw by the catcher did not retire R1, umpire’s interference is enforced. The ball is dead. Return R1 to 1^st base.

 

 

I have "d" as the correct answer, but cannot find a rule that backs it up.  7-4-5 Penalty discusses what to do "when an attempt to put out a runner at any other base is unsuccessful" but cannot find similar language for when an umpire interferes with the catcher's attempt to put out a runner.  Thanks.

[JaxRolo]

Rule: 5-1-2


ART. 2 . . . It is a delayed dead ball when:

a. there is interference by a batter (Exception 7-3-5 Penalty),

1. When the batter interferes with the catcher attempting to play on a runner, if an out does not result at the end of the catcher's throw, the ball shall become dead immediately.

b. a catcher or any fielder obstructs a batter or runner; or obstructs the ball through use of detached player equipment (8-3-3);

c. umpire interferes with the catcher who is attempting to throw;

[grayhawk]

Thanks Rolando, but since the rule doesn't quite cover it (doesn't say that umpire's interference is treated the same as batter's interference), I checked the case book and found this:

 

5.1.2 Situation B:  WIth runners on third and first base, a double steal is called.  R1 attempts to steal home, and the umpire interferes with F2's throw to second base.  RULING:  The umpire gives the dead ball signal.  If R2 is not put out on F2's throw, the umpire shall declare the ball dead, and R1 and R2 must return to the base they occupied before the interference.  5-1-2c, 8-2-9)

 

Interesting note:  "The umpire gives the dead ball signal."  This shouldn't be here since there is no such signal any longer.  The proper mechanic, as I understand it, is to point to yourself and declare, "that's umpire interference!"  If F2's initial throw doesn't retire the runner he is playing on, call, "Time!  That was umpire interference!" and return the runner(s) to the base occupied at TOI.

 

Thanks again Rolo!

[BT_Blue]

I vote that FED changes this mechanic to a "two thumbs" mechanic. As in, "who has two thumbs and just interfered with F2's throw? This guy..."

[ricka56]

It's in the second matrix of delayed deadball in Rule 5...

 

After infraction, Ball not dead until umpire calls time...

 

8. Interference with catcher by umpire...If runner is not put out, runners return

[Platejob29]

Gotta love how FED likes to throw a wrench in there every once in awhile with an obscure placement of a rule in the book. Why not include the rule with other forms of interference or at least cite a footnote with other forms of interference?