[rwest]

I am very careful when reading the rule book and I analyze the wording. I also look for certain things like intent. This brings me to my point. Rule 7-6-P-1, does not make any mention of the word intent. It says....

The batter shall not: Hinder the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box.

Am I to assume that intent is not relevant here? Is the mere stepping out of the box when the catcher is attempting to throw out an advancing runner an out if in the opinion of the umpire this hindered the throw? Does the catcher have to throw the ball or could she, realizing she is going to hit the batter, stop her throw? Would this still be considered interference? Also, there are legitimate times the batter can step out of the box (i.e wild pitch, passed ball, called strike on what the batter thought was ball 4). Are these times exceptions to the rule? For example, suppose the following....

B1 at bat. 3 balls 0 strike count. R1 at 2nd. The pitch is called a strike by the umpire. The batter steps out of the box thinking the pitch was a ball. (This is a legitimate time the batter can step out of the box.) R1 trys to steal 3rd. The catcher attempts to throw to 3rd but the batter was in her way. She either a) did not throw because she was afraid she would hit the batter or b) had to alter her throw by throwing around the runner.

What is your call in these situations?

Also rule 7-6-P-4 does not mention intent. It says....

The batter shall not: Interfere with a play at home plate.

Suppose the batter does not realize a squeeze play is on. R1 at 3rd breaks for home at the release of the pitch. If the batter just stands in the box, blocking the catcher from making a tag is the batter out, even though there was no intent, just a dumb play?

Thanks!
Randall