Quote:
Originally posted by Spence
What leeway does a batter have? RH batter with runner stealing third. Does the batter have to get out of the way? I assume the batter has some protection when swinging a deemed-to-be legit swing .
Is there any situation where a batter swings and his follow-through or normal batting motion , while causing the catcher to have to throw around him, and it is NOT interference?
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As Tee aluded, batters are not expected to evaporate, but they are expected not to interfere. If, on a throw down to third, the batter remains still in the box, and the catcher has to adust to his presence or even hits him with the ball, I've got nothing. If, however, he moves away and happens to move in a manner that shadows the catcher's attempt to move for the throw and now the throw is interfered with, that'a interference.
However, on a play at the plate, if the batter has time to move, he needs to. Umpire judgement, for sure, but plenty of opportunity for interefernce if he doesn't.
In your first example with the batter coming over the plate and in the way of the catcher on a throw to second, interference plain and simple, no intent is needed.
The primary variable in all of these is not the intent of the batter, but the judgement of the umpire.