Interference

[Chris32]

Bottom of the 6th, no out. Ball four to the batter that is a passed ball. Catcher NEVER moves to go get it. On deck hitter tosses him (the catcher) a ball. The catcher subsequently throws the ball to try and get the kid out at 2nd because of heads up base running. Partner and I come together and ulitmately determine Interference on the on deck batter. Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

BTW the home team who got the interference call against them, got the win.

Thanks!

[Rich Ives]

Bottom of the 6th, no out. Ball four to the batter that is a passed ball. Catcher NEVER moves to go get it. On deck hitter tosses him (the catcher) a ball. The catcher subsequently throws the ball to try and get the kid out at 2nd because of heads up base running. Partner and I come together and ulitmately determine Interference on the on deck batter. Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

BTW the home team who got the interference call against them, got the win.

Thanks!

Since when is assistance interference?

[Mr Umpire]

Was there the possibility of a play? Basically, did F2 have a chance without the interference? If not, then call Time and tell the batter not to do it again. Then, put BR back at 1B.

[Chris32]

Bottom of the 6th, no out. Ball four to the batter that is a passed ball. Catcher NEVER moves to go get it. On deck hitter tosses him (the catcher) a ball. The catcher subsequently throws the ball to try and get the kid out at 2nd because of heads up base running. Partner and I come together and ulitmately determine Interference on the on deck batter. Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

BTW the home team who got the interference call against them, got the win.

Thanks!

Since when is assistance interference?

Where do you get assistance? The passed ball is sitting at the backstop and the on deck hitter tossed him another ball that he was going to give to me when he came to bat. The catcher NEVER moved go to get the ball.

[Rich Ives]

Bottom of the 6th, no out. Ball four to the batter that is a passed ball. Catcher NEVER moves to go get it. On deck hitter tosses him (the catcher) a ball. The catcher subsequently throws the ball to try and get the kid out at 2nd because of heads up base running. Partner and I come together and ulitmately determine Interference on the on deck batter. Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

BTW the home team who got the interference call against them, got the win.

Thanks!

Since when is assistance interference?

Where do you get assistance? The passed ball is sitting at the backstop and the on deck hitter tossed him another ball that he was going to give to me when he came to bat. The catcher NEVER moved go to get the ball.

Well - you could have stated in the first place that it wasn't the real ball and the real ball was still at the backstop. Then I wouldn't have thought it was the real ball.

[noumpere]

Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

This sentence makes no sense to me. The ondeck batter becomes a batter as soon as the previous batter becomes a runner (or his time atbat ends). So the ondeck batter should be out if there was interference and Im not convinced there was. No play, no interference.

[Nazrat]

I have nothing on the runner as the game ball is sitting against the backstop. He can keep running until the defensive team figures it out.

I don't really see what advantage was gained by the offensive team by the on deck batter "helping" by tossing in another ball.

[Rich Ives]

I don't really see what advantage was gained by the offensive team by the on deck batter "helping" by tossing in another ball.

Really. Like the catcher didn't think it was the game ball? Why do you think the catche threw it?

[dddunn3d]

You see guys...

There are too many scenarios and too many considerations that may or may not come into play whenever a live ball is touched by an offensive player.

What's so hard about this? If an offensive player deliberately handles a live ball with runners on base, then interference should be called in every instance. The onus is on the coaches to instruct their players never to handle a live ball while on the offense.

There is another recent thread that I started covering this very same idea. In it the batter picks up a wild pitch with runners on 1B and 2B. Just about every response said just to kill it because of the interpretation of 'no play, no interference.' If that's the way it's going to be called, then as a coach I'm instructing my batters to handle every wild pitch they can if my runners are in danger of being played upon. That's not baseball.

BTW, in that other thread, I did call interference and declared the batter out. The only reason I even started that thread was that during our post-game debriefing, my partner was of the 'no play, no interference' opinion. My point was that since there needs to be a ball to have a play, if the offense handles the ball, then how can the defense even make an attempt?

Ask yourselves this: what if the batter, instead of picking the ball up, kicked it away from the catcher? Would you then call interference, or just kill it? Or, what would you call if the batter steps on the ball and keeps his foot on top of it?

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

The rule does not state that interference occurs if a play is made, it says interference occurs on the attempt. The interpretation of 'no play, no interference' is actually 'no attempt, no interference.'

[scrounge]

If anything the on-deck helped the defense and created the possibility of making a play where there was none absent his actions. I'm calling nothing.

[dddunn3d]

I have nothing on the runner as the game ball is sitting against the backstop. He can keep running until the defensive team figures it out.

I don't really see what advantage was gained by the offensive team by the on deck batter "helping" by tossing in another ball.

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

I think that tossing another ball to the catcher qualifies as 'confuses any fielder.'

[dddunn3d]

Bottom of the 6th, no out. Ball four to the batter that is a passed ball. Catcher NEVER moves to go get it. On deck hitter tosses him (the catcher) a ball. The catcher subsequently throws the ball to try and get the kid out at 2nd because of heads up base running. Partner and I come together and ulitmately determine Interference on the on deck batter. Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

BTW the home team who got the interference call against them, got the win.

Thanks!

Since when is assistance interference?

Rich, stop with this 'assistance' nonsense. Instruct your players to never handle a live ball while on offense, period.

[Mr Umpire]

I have nothing on the runner as the game ball is sitting against the backstop. He can keep running until the defensive team figures it out.

I don't really see what advantage was gained by the offensive team by the on deck batter "helping" by tossing in another ball.

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

I think that tossing another ball to the catcher qualifies as 'confuses any fielder.'

You do notice the last part: "attempting to make a play". If there is no play to be made, how can the defense be attempting one? If the ball is at the backstop and R1 is over halfway to 2B, where is there a play at?

And, all of your "what if's" won't happen using the same logic. If there is a possible play, someone is out. If not, no one is out but a warning is given. So, if the batter wants to stand on the ball, he runs the risk of being ejected if it happens again.

[Rich Ives]

Bottom of the 6th, no out. Ball four to the batter that is a passed ball. Catcher NEVER moves to go get it. On deck hitter tosses him (the catcher) a ball. The catcher subsequently throws the ball to try and get the kid out at 2nd because of heads up base running. Partner and I come together and ulitmately determine Interference on the on deck batter. Runner is out because he can't be called out if he hasn't had an offical at bat in his order in the inning.

BTW the home team who got the interference call against them, got the win.

Thanks!

Since when is assistance interference?

Rich, stop with this 'assistance' nonsense. Instruct your players to never handle a live ball while on offense, period.

To have interference you have to HINDER the fierlder. Giving him the ball ASSISTS the fielder. I'll be POed that they helped, but it certainly isn't interference.

[dddunn3d]

I have nothing on the runner as the game ball is sitting against the backstop. He can keep running until the defensive team figures it out.

I don't really see what advantage was gained by the offensive team by the on deck batter "helping" by tossing in another ball.

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

I think that tossing another ball to the catcher qualifies as 'confuses any fielder.'

You do notice the last part: "attempting to make a play". If there is no play to be made, how can the defense be attempting one? If the ball is at the backstop and R1 is over halfway to 2B, where is there a play at?

And, all of your "what if's" won't happen using the same logic. If there is a possible play, someone is out. If not, no one is out but a warning is given. So, if the batter wants to stand on the ball, he runs the risk of being ejected if it happens again.

You contradict yourself: "If there is a possible play..." When the ball is bouncing around free with runners on base, there is always the possibility of a play, AS LONG AS THE FIELDER'S ATTEMPT IS NOT OBSTRUCTED, IMPEDED, HINDERED, OR THE FIELDER IS NOT CONFUSED BY AN OFFENSIVE ACTION.

How can you not call obstruction if an offensive player is holding the damn ball?!

Does this not obstruct the fielder from the ball?

Does this not impede the fielder as he tries to retrieve the ball?

Does this not hinder the fielder in making access to the ball more difficult?

obstruct - verb (used with object)

1. to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass; 2. to interrupt, hinder, or oppose the passage, progress, course, etc., of; 3. to block from sight; to be in the way of (a view, passage, etc.).

impede - verb (used with object)

to retard in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct; hinder.

hinder – verb (used with object)

1. to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; hamper; impede; 2. to prevent from doing, acting, or happening; stop;

–verb (used without object) 3. to be an obstacle or impediment.

[Mr Umpire]

I have nothing on the runner as the game ball is sitting against the backstop. He can keep running until the defensive team figures it out.

I don't really see what advantage was gained by the offensive team by the on deck batter "helping" by tossing in another ball.

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

I think that tossing another ball to the catcher qualifies as 'confuses any fielder.'

You do notice the last part: "attempting to make a play". If there is no play to be made, how can the defense be attempting one? If the ball is at the backstop and R1 is over halfway to 2B, where is there a play at?

And, all of your "what if's" won't happen using the same logic. If there is a possible play, someone is out. If not, no one is out but a warning is given. So, if the batter wants to stand on the ball, he runs the risk of being ejected if it happens again.

You contradict yourself: "If there is a possible play..." When the ball is bouncing around free with runners on base, there is always the possibility of a play, AS LONG AS THE FIELDER'S ATTEMPT IS NOT OBSTRUCTED, IMPEDED, HINDERED, OR THE FIELDER IS NOT CONFUSED BY AN OFFENSIVE ACTION.

How can you not call obstruction if an offensive player is holding the damn ball?!

Does this not obstruct the fielder from the ball?

Does this not impede the fielder as he tries to retrieve the ball?

Does this not hinder the fielder in making access to the ball more difficult?

obstruct - verb (used with object)

1. to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass; 2. to interrupt, hinder, or oppose the passage, progress, course, etc., of; 3. to block from sight; to be in the way of (a view, passage, etc.).

impede - verb (used with object)

to retard in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct; hinder.

hinder – verb (used with object)

1. to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; hamper; impede; 2. to prevent from doing, acting, or happening; stop;

–verb (used without object) 3. to be an obstacle or impediment.

No, I didn't contradict anything. And, again, if there is no play to be made, there is no interference. Also, NO, I would NOT call OBSTRUCTION. The offense interferes, the defense obstructs. If you want to be a dictionary, get the terms correct then.

A play is defined as a legitimate chance to retire a runner. There is no chance to retire the runner if the ball is at the backstop and F2 is no where near the ball to throw it to 2B. Learn the definitions before spouting off some.

[yawetag]

If you want to be a dictionary, get the terms correct then.

A play is defined as a legitimate chance to retire a runner.

No, a play is defined as:

1. a dramatic composition or piece; drama.

2. a dramatic performance, as on the stage.

3. exercise or activity for amusement or recreation.

:D

[dddunn3d]

Rule 2.00 INTERFERENCE (a) Offensive interference is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

I think that tossing another ball to the catcher qualifies as 'confuses any fielder.'

You do notice the last part: "attempting to make a play". If there is no play to be made, how can the defense be attempting one? If the ball is at the backstop and R1 is over halfway to 2B, where is there a play at?

And, all of your "what if's" won't happen using the same logic. If there is a possible play, someone is out. If not, no one is out but a warning is given. So, if the batter wants to stand on the ball, he runs the risk of being ejected if it happens again.

You contradict yourself: "If there is a possible play..." When the ball is bouncing around free with runners on base, there is always the possibility of a play, AS LONG AS THE FIELDER'S ATTEMPT IS NOT OBSTRUCTED, IMPEDED, HINDERED, OR THE FIELDER IS NOT CONFUSED BY AN OFFENSIVE ACTION.

How can you not call obstruction if an offensive player is holding the damn ball?!

Does this not obstruct the fielder from the ball?

Does this not impede the fielder as he tries to retrieve the ball?

Does this not hinder the fielder in making access to the ball more difficult?

obstruct - verb (used with object)

1. to block or close up with an obstacle; make difficult to pass; 2. to interrupt, hinder, or oppose the passage, progress, course, etc., of; 3. to block from sight; to be in the way of (a view, passage, etc.).

impede - verb (used with object)

to retard in movement or progress by means of obstacles or hindrances; obstruct; hinder.

hinder – verb (used with object)

1. to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; hamper; impede; 2. to prevent from doing, acting, or happening; stop;

–verb (used without object) 3. to be an obstacle or impediment.

No, I didn't contradict anything. And, again, if there is no play to be made, there is no interference. Also, NO, I would NOT call OBSTRUCTION. The offense interferes, the defense obstructs. If you want to be a dictionary, get the terms correct then.

A play is defined as a legitimate chance to retire a runner. There is no chance to retire the runner if the ball is at the backstop and F2 is no where near the ball to throw it to 2B. Learn the definitions before spouting off some.

You are correct. I guess while ranting my eye picked up the first capitalized "OBSTRUCT," and I went with that. Still doesn't negate my point, though.

Now for rocks and glass houses: where did you get your definition of "play." It is not defined in OBR; I can't check my other references because they are packed in boxes and in storage.

Plus, who are you to say that R1 in the OP will not continue his advance and try for 3B. Like I said, when you have runners and an unsecured live ball, there is always the possibility of a play.

[noumpere]

Now for rocks and glass houses: where did you get your definition of "play." It is not defined in OBR; I can't check my other references because they are packed in boxes and in storage.

Its in PBUC / MLBUM and probably others. Noone seems to be saying that you cant have interference only that its not automatic as you seem to think.

[Mr Umpire]

Now for rocks and glass houses: where did you get your definition of "play." It is not defined in OBR; I can't check my other references because they are packed in boxes and in storage.

Its in PBUC / MLBUM and probably others. Noone seems to be saying that you cant have interference only that its not automatic as you seem to think.

Exactly.

[mstaylor]

To make a play means an actual act to make an out, a throw, a tag or trying to touch a base.

[mazzamouth]

How can you not call obstruction if an offensive player is holding the damn ball?!

I will chime in here..

The Defense Obstructs

The Offensive Interferes

So how can you call Obstruction?