Backswing interference

[Thunderheads]

http://m.mlb.com/video/v33247301

[JaxRolo]

Ouch! That's gotta hurt!

[maven]

Did you notice that the caption on the video is wrong? The batter struck out: he was not called out for BI.

[Mad Mike]

Good catch Maven. Yes, the count was 3-2 on Machado. He swung and nailed Lucroy with backswing interference. The particular rule 6.06 © provides that if the batter's backswing contacts the catcher, it is a strike only and not interference. The ball is dead, runners return to bases occupied at TOP. (See Comment #3)

 

6.06
A batter is out for illegal action when --

© He interferes with the catchers fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batters box or making any other movement that hinders the catchers play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score is called out for batters interference.
Rule 6.06© Comment: If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call interference. The batter is out and the ball 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 outnot the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
If a batter strikes at a ball and misses and swings so hard he carries the bat all the way around and, in the umpires judgment, unintentionally hits the catcher or the ball in back of him on the backswing before the catcher has securely held the ball, it shall be called a strike only (not interference). The ball will be dead, however, and no runner shall advance on the play.
 

 

PBUC OFFICIAL INTERPRETATION 287-283: Following interference by a backswing, after a third strike, the ball is dead and the batter is out. (7.13)

[grayhawk]

So much uncertainty in the announcers' voices. They had no idea what the ruling was.

[grozzly]

Thank you Maven !! i was wondering why Machado was out for interference...