Catchers interference

[Guest Rol]

Situation is runner on first and attempts to steal on first pitch, catcher sees runner going and jump forward to receive the ball faster throwing on top of the plate, batter holds swing in order to avoid hitting catcher. Pitch is called a strike and throws out runner at second. I called time and argue the catcher interfered with my batter and jump on top of the plate at release as if a pitch out was called. Is that catchers interface even tho my batter didn't touch the catcher?

[grayhawk]

It's unclear to me where the catcher was when he received the pitch, but it sounds like he was on or over home plate when he caught it.  If that's the case, then catcher's interference could have been called, based on umpire judgment.

FED:  Catcher's obstruction - "when a catcher or fielder hinders a batter"

NCAA:  Catcher's interference - "if any defensive player interferes with the batter's swing or prevents the individual from striking at a pitched ball"

OBR:  Catcher's interference - "The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when the catcher or any fielder interferes with him."

Notice that none of the codes require the batter to actually swing and contact the catcher or his glove.  If the catcher "intercepted" the pitch, which hindered the batter, prevented him from striking at the pitch, or interfered with him, then interference (obstruction in Fed) would be warranted.

[stkjock]

I think the rule set matters.  

 

Based on the below  thread and my novice understanding, yes, CI

 

 

[BT_Blue]

I can't make myself call it OBS in FED. I just can't. I'm still making the call. But my brain won't allow me to call it catcher's obstruction.

[Guest Nick]

On 10/10/2016 at 6:30 PM, Guest Rol said:

Situation is runner on first and attempts to steal on first pitch, catcher sees runner going and jump forward to receive the ball faster throwing on top of the plate, batter holds swing in order to avoid hitting catcher. Pitch is called a strike and throws out runner at second. I called time and argue the catcher interfered with my batter and jump on top of the plate at release as if a pitch out was called. Is that catchers interface even tho my batter didn't touch the catcher?

If the catcher received the ball standing on top of the plate, wouldn't this be a "Catcher's Balk"?

[Jimurray]

1 hour ago, Guest Nick said:

If the catcher received the ball standing on top of the plate, wouldn't this be a "Catcher's Balk"?

No, this is garden variety CI. A balk would be charged to the pitcher in OBR if the catcher did this with R3 and a steal or squeeze of HP.

[Larry in TN]

5 hours ago, Guest Nick said:

If the catcher received the ball standing on top of the plate, wouldn't this be a "Catcher's Balk"?

Doesn't that only apply on an intentional walk?

[Jimurray]

1 hour ago, Larry in TN said:

Doesn't that only apply on an intentional walk?

That is also another balk charged to the pitcher during an intentional walk caused by the catcher leaving the box before the ball leaves the pitcher's hand (rule), before the pitcher starts his delivery (interp). No umpire should be looking to call this. During two intentional walks in the playoffs this last week two catchers violated the interp. The PUs were not looking at the catchers feet to see if they were in compliance and no umpire should be either.