[SAump]

"A few members insist on allowing this play to happen without penalty." Well, YEAH!

2-2 count, B takes ball 3 holding onto the bat. The B will not be tossing his bat back towards the on-deck circle in this sitch. F2 tries a pick off attempt at 3B and his throw is deflected by the bat. F2 is deemed to be CULPABLE for the contact, the run may or may not score easily, and B gets another pitch. The ball remains LIVE and IN PLAY the entire time.

3-2 count, B?R takes ball 4 and quickly tosses the bat toward the on deck circle. F2 tries a pick off attempt and his throw (1 in a 1000) is deflected by the flying bat. Run CANNOT score because of some foolish interference RULE. B/R finds himself in the dugout wondering what the hell just happened.

Your blabbin' about a RULE that hinges on pitch count and a catcher that RARELY (like 0 outta 100) hits a FLYING bat with a thrown baseball. How lucky could F2 get at such a pivotal moment? If I was the defensive coach, I would break out laughing and do a little dance in celebration for the momentum swing. I would certainly applaud the catcher.

Which is making a travesty of the GAME? Not only that, but say the batter hits a weak ground ball near the plate area and runs into the catcher on his way to first. NO interference, OBSTRUCTION. I think the WINDIES, BAMA BOYS, CASEWRITERS and UNION BOSS oughtta agree on the 1 logical choice; BALL IS LIVE and IN PLAY. I don't get paid to like the rules, but if that is ONE rule I am suppose to enforce, then I'll do my best.