The play described, at least the one I think Dave is referring to, was intentionally set up to be marginal. Here it is:
Quote:
Bases juiced, 1 out. Roller to 3B
Catcher has right foot on plate, left extended out toward the field (not in basepath)
Runner comes in and touches plate, just as the catcher is dropping the ball.
No real contact - or maybe a slight brush. Runner approaching definitely affected the catcher's state of mind, but may not have had the catcher been a bettter player.
|
As I visualize this, I wouldn't call this interference. It sounds more like the runner trying, but not quite succeeding, to avoid contact. It also sounds like the "slight brush - maybe" had nothing to do with the catcher dropping the ball - more like the catcher was intimidated or excited about the approaching runner.