Interference scenarios

[Coach B]

A). Baserunner running his normal path to second base is called for interference by running into an infielder making a play on a batted ball.  Is this a dead ball?  Where are the other runners/batter placed?

B). The batter makes contact with the catcher's mitt as he swings, but still manages a hit down the line that will certainly score the runner from second, and potentially be a double for himself.  The plate umpire recognizes the catcher's interference.  But.... is this an immediate dead ball??  

C) Are most all offensive interference plays called immediately as a dead ball...??  Or delayed penalty...??

[BigBlue4u]

1) Assuming the fielder cannot make a play, it is an immediate dead ball and any runners are returned to base occupied at the time of the pitch.

2. No, it is a delayed dead ball.  Offense can take the result of the play or advance batter and any runner attempting to advance on the pitch, one base.

3.  No.  Many interference calls result in a delayed dead ball.  

 

[DevildogUmp]

34 minutes ago, BigBlue4u said:

1) Assuming the fielder cannot make a play, it is an immediate dead ball and any runners are returned to base occupied at the time of the pitch.

2. No, it is a delayed dead ball.  Offense can take the result of the play or advance batter and any runner attempting to advance on the pitch, one base.

3.  No.  Many interference calls result in a delayed dead ball.  

 

1. There is no assuming a fielder can/cannot make a play. If a runner interferes with the protected fielder, the ball is dead at that point so there is no longer a play to be made.

2. The offense only gets the choice if all runners and the BR do not achieve their next base. If everyone advances 1 base, we ignore the interference, even if outs occur beyond the advanced base.

3. Delayed Dead Ball - Batter interference, Umpire interference on a throw, Catcher's Interference

    Immediate Dead Ball - Spectator interference, Umpire interference on a hit, Runner/BR interference, Retired Runner Interference, Coach's Interference, Authorized individual interference (bench player, ball boy), 

 

[Coach B]

On 7/6/2026 at 10:13 PM, BigBlue4u said:

Devildog and Big Blue....  I just want to clarify this scenario:   Runner on 1st, less than 2 outs - ground ball to second baseman, baserunner interferes with second baseman as he's fielding the ball, umpire recognizes interference - so it's an immediate dead ball??  Even if the defense still has an attempt at a double-play...??

 

 

[Jay R.]

It is an immediate dead ball. 

In that scenario, the umpire could rule two runners out. Specifics on what merits the double play vary by rule code (MLB, NCAA, NFHS, Little League).

[Richvee]

7 minutes ago, Jay R. said:

It is an immediate dead ball. 

In that scenario, the umpire could rule two runners out. Specifics on what merits the double play vary by rule code (MLB, NCAA, NFHS, Little League).

It's only FED that lets the umpire assume a DP and call two outs. OBR, NCAA the interference must be judged intentional to break up a double play in order to call 2 outs.