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Request some opinions and/or rulings. Recently calling High School scrimmage, getting ready for the season. Situation is no runners, 3-1 count to batter, pitch in dirt bounces off catchers shin gear/guard and rolls a few feet up first base line. Batter-runner starts toward first and a couple steps out of the box reaches down grabs baseball and turns and hands ball to catcher before proceeding to first. After that half inning my partner ( I had plate) says That the batter-runner should have been out for touching a live ball/interferance.
Now admittedly when reading FED rulebook not everything is crystal clear but I did find the actual rule/definition for interference: the act by the team at bat that interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.
Now to borrow a term from the OBR book, the Batter Runner is not "In Jeopardy" as he has earned the right to advance to first without a play being made, due to receiving four balls.
I can't find a reference to a offensive team member touching a live ball just interference. Now I agree with my partner that in most situations a member of the offense touches ball I would have interference, balls dead and someone is out. But I just don't see this as meeting any of the definitions.
I just want to get it right so any help appreciatted.
Oh yeah, did I mention that that walk turned into the winning run in extra innings?
Thanks from San Diego
Butch
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