Now I don't have any manuals for further guidance, but in reading the rules below, no where in the definition of interference or in Rule 6.06(c) do the rules state that there is some component of "intent" necessary for interference.
The rule simply states that batter is out when he interfers with the catchers throw by stepping out of the batter's box.
I could see not calling interference if the throw wasn't directed anywhere toward the play, but if the throw (no matter how it was made) was going towards where a play was about to be made and it hit the batter, it seems like interference to me, batter is out, runner back to third.
Is there some other interpretation in some manual I am not aware of?
Rule 6.06
A batter is out for illegal action when_(c)
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.(emphasis added) EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter's interference. 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 out not 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.
Official Rules: 2.00 Definition of Terms
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. If the umpire declares the batter, batter runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules. In the event the batter runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.
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Originally posted by GarthB
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Originally posted by bob jenkins
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Originally posted by DG
It wasn't a poor throw if it "had a good chance of being caught by the pitcher before the runner crosses the plate". I can see an interference call here, but I would have to see it (classic answer for interference calls).
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What would you have to see to judge interference? What rule (other than 9.01c) would you use to support the call?
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I'd enjoy seeing that as well. Bob.
When the catcher is making a throw, say to third or second, we expect the batter to basically freeze. However when there is a runner coming in, we expect him to yield.
This batter did that. And now after getting out of the way, the catcher decides (according to the original post) against making a quality throw and instead flips the ball and hits the batter in the back.
Though not exactly the same, what we have here is akin to asking for interference on a thrown ball. And that requires intent. As I said from the beginning, if the batter is acting in a way to intentionally interfere, get him. If not, I've got nothing.
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