[SAump]

DG - Your response was so sweet. Haven't you taken us around the barn once to often?

Your explanation is very similar to the Fed Case 7.3.5 which was cited on page 2 of this thread. I think all the FED boys are in your camp on that one. There is no controversy there. Will the Fed boys remove the following, "B3 takes several steps toward first base and then realizes he is still holding onto the bat" and still determine offensive interference with the catcher's errant throw? I think that is the main reason this thread is still alive.

There is the conflict with PBUC 4.12 and 4.18 which was cited on page 1 of this thread and which offers a HINT of protection for any batter/runner's actions while in the batter's box area of home plate.

The act may have been the catcher drilling the batter/runner before he stepped out of the rear of the batter's box.

The act may have been the catcher drilling the batter/runner's bat just before batter releases it away from the rear of the batter's box area towards the dugout.

The act may have been that the batter was told to get to first base immediately after BALL 4. He turns to his left and slings the bat in the general direction of the batting circle and takes off at full speed. The ball released from the catcher's hand then strikes the bat within inches of it leaving the batter's hand because the cathcer had set up close to the plate and the batter had set up in the rear or the batter's box.

Fact was the batter earned a trip to first base via walk or base on balls. Fact was whether or not the catcher had any real chance of making a play on runner at third base never materialized. Similar to any PICK OFF ATTEMPT, you don't rule by the the reaction of the team on defense; you rule by what you see, safe or out. You better have a good explanation for the basecoach which is determined not to lose a baserunner.

In my judgement, an errant throw that contacts the batter or the bat within three feet of the plate is protected under PBUC 4.12 and 4.18. It is not an ACT of INTERFERENCE because I did not DEEM INTENT, nor do I have to PROVE it in a court of LAW.