Batter Interference

[Guest Scott]

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike.  Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

[grayhawk]

If he's got a foot out of the box and is hit by the catcher's throw, it is almost always going to be interference.  STAY IN THE BOX!

 

Even if he has BOTH feet in the box, he can still be called for interference if he makes "any other movement" and hinders the catcher's throw or attempt to throw.  The ONLY guarantee to not be called for interference is to stay in the box and NOT MOVE!  Have situational awareness and know what's going on.  Don't do the catcher any favors and try to get out of his way.  Stay put and keep still.

 

The above is for plays where the catcher is making a throw to put out a runner at another base.  In cases where there is a play at the plate and the batter has an opportunity to vacate the area (such as on a wild pitch or passed ball), then the runner must do so or be in jeopardy of being called for interference.  In cases where there is a steal of home, the runner is not expected to vacate because he doesn't have time.

[gnhbua93]

$10 resolves many problems, buy the rule book that applies to your league.

[pnewton]

Interesting point for discussion.

 

Assuming that in the process of moving his left foot out of the box he moved into the catcher's throwing lane I think I have interference here.  I am going to call this stepping out of the box same as I would if a batter moved one foot out across the plate on a throw to second.

[ALStripes17]

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book. Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©: A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base. You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back. It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all. It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT. Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds? That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book. Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules) HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

[Guest Guest]

gnhbua93 I have the book its not defined. 

[Guest Scott]

 

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book.

Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©:

A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back.

It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all.

It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT.

Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds?

That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book.

Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules)

HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

 

But is it not only interference if he is out of the box? He still possesses the box by having his right foot in there? It says he has to be out of the box. 

[Tksjewelry]

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book.

Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©:

A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back.

It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all.

It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT.

Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds?

That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book.

Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules)

HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

But is it not only interference if he is out of the box? He still possesses the box by having his right foot in there? It says he has to be out of the box.

The batters box is not a safety zone. It is up to the umpires judgment as to if the batter could have or should have avoided interfering with the throw.

[gnhbua93]

 

 

 

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book.

Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©:

A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back.

It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all.

It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT.

Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds?

That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book.

Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules)

HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

 

But is it not only interference if he is out of the box? He still possesses the box by having his right foot in there? It says he has to be out of the box.

 

The batters box is not a safety zone. It is up to the umpires judgment as to if the batter could have or should have avoided interfering with the throw.

 

Best answer.  @Thunderheads please, lock this thread.

[pnewton]

 

 

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book.

Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©:

A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back.

It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all.

It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT.

Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds?

That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book.

Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules)

HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

 

But is it not only interference if he is out of the box? He still possesses the box by having his right foot in there? It says he has to be out of the box. 

 

 

If he has one foot completely out of the box and hits the ball he may be called out for being out of the box.  In other words having one foot in the box does not make you in the box.

 

If a batter swings and misses, loses his balance and steps one foot across the plate when the catcher is throwing down to second, the batter is still liable to be called out for interference even if the other foot is still in the box.

 

I believe you are incorrect that keeping one foot in the box is going to protect your batter in this case.

[ALStripes17]

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book.

Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©:

A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back.

It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all.

It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT.

Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds?

That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book.

Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules)

HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

But is it not only interference if he is out of the box? He still possesses the box by having his right foot in there? It says he has to be out of the box.

Reread the rule I posted... there is an "OR" there.

You may have the Dixie rule book but if it's not specifically mentioned in there then you must use the NFHS rule book (again, assuming Dixie 13+)

That "OR" plays a major part. Look up batter interference videos on mlb.com and tell me where those batter's are 'out of the box' by your standard. Even while leaning over the plate, the batter will still be in the box, but he is still liable for not moving into the catcher's way of making a play.

It's an honest mistake by your batter but it's umpire judgment on whether or not his movement got in the way of the catcher making a play. Your batter needs to freeze basically until the catcher's throw/play is done.

[conbo61]

I called a BI yesterday. Two out R1, R2, less than two strikes. R2 attempts to steal 3rd and that RH batter swings and misses. Catcher comes up throwing but the batter is bouncing around in the box. He did not leave the box, but the catcher collided with him when making the throw.

Easy one.

[Tksjewelry]

So I coach Dixie boys baseball and I had a batter called for interference the other night which I do not agree with. What is the official answer. I have runners on 1st and 2nd. The batter was in the box and took a called strike. Doing like he was taught he rotated to look down to me at 3rd with his right foot in the box and his back to the ump and catcher. The catcher popped up to throw at my stealing runner to third and strikes the batter in the back of the head with the ball. Ump stops the play and rules it is batters interference. It is my understanding that the only legal position for the batter is within the box and he is technically in the box because of his right foot being in there. Is this the right call?

Dixie Youth reverts to OBR (Official Baseball Rules) if not specifically addressed in the Dixie book.

Batter INT for Dixie is by OBRs definition which can be found under 6.06 ©:

A batter is out when - he interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box OR making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

You can also note the comment regarding backswing INT (for when batter 'swings too hard') which does not call the batter out but merely sends the runners back.

It is umpire judgement on whether or not the batter moved in a way that hindered the catcher. If the batter stays still, then there would be no issue at all.

It's pure judgement and the way you describe it sounds like a reasonable batter INT.

Edit to add: you say Dixie boys? As in 13-14 year olds?

That ruleset would be by NFHS (High School) if not addresed in the Dixie rule book.

Same outcome applies to this situation - the backswing INT does not get a special case (it's still considered normal batter INT under HS rules)

HS batter INT rule is 7-3-5

But is it not only interference if he is out of the box? He still possesses the box by having his right foot in there? It says he has to be out of the box.

The batters box is not a safety zone. It is up to the umpires judgment as to if the batter could have or should have avoided interfering with the throw.

Best answer. @Thunderheads please, lock this thread.

Me!?

[maven]

If he's got a foot out of the box and is hit by the catcher's throw, it is almost always going to be interference. STAY IN THE BOX!

Even if he has BOTH feet in the box, he can still be called for interference if he makes "any other movement" and hinders the catcher's throw or attempt to throw. The ONLY guarantee to not be called for interference is to stay in the box and NOT MOVE! Have situational awareness and know what's going on. Don't do the catcher any favors and try to get out of his way. Stay put and keep still.

The above is for plays where the catcher is making a throw to put out a runner at another base. In cases where there is a play at the plate and the batter has an opportunity to vacate the area (such as on a wild pitch or passed ball), then the runner must do so or be in jeopardy of being called for interference. In cases where there is a steal of home, the runner is not expected to vacate because he doesn't have time.

This.

[noumpere]

 

If he's got a foot out of the box and is hit by the catcher's throw, it is almost always going to be interference. STAY IN THE BOX!

Even if he has BOTH feet in the box, he can still be called for interference if he makes "any other movement" and hinders the catcher's throw or attempt to throw. The ONLY guarantee to not be called for interference is to stay in the box and NOT MOVE! Have situational awareness and know what's going on. Don't do the catcher any favors and try to get out of his way. Stay put and keep still.

The above is for plays where the catcher is making a throw to put out a runner at another base. In cases where there is a play at the plate and the batter has an opportunity to vacate the area (such as on a wild pitch or passed ball), then the runner must do so or be in jeopardy of being called for interference. In cases where there is a steal of home, the runner is not expected to vacate because he doesn't have time.

This.

 

Agreed.

 

The base is not a safe haven for being hit by a batted ball; the box is not a safe haven for BI.

[Thunderheads]

$10 resolves many problems, buy the rule book that applies to your league.

Not an appropriate answer in the "Ask the umpire" forum.  Either browse and help answer, or don't, ...please.