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Although intent is not specifically mentioned for this violation, I think there must be some room for some common sense.
We have to concede that the batter *is* going to drop her bat.
If the batter does something unusual or completely illogical - I think interference must be considered.
I would have to see this play in order to rule. I would be focused on whether the batter did something reasonable.
What about THIS play:
Batter swings, tops the ball, and sends it rolling a few feet in front of the plate, in fair territory. The batter immediately drops her bat and takes off running, as the catcher leaps out from her position, the catcher trips over the bat which was dropped in the immediate vicinity of the plate.
Interference?
No!
Yet, the batter DID drop her bat in such a way that it DID hinder the catcher's opportunity to make a play.
Batters drop their bat. That's a reality. The catcher has to be aware of that.
I'm not saying the play in question is not necessarily interference, but the simple dropping/throwing of the bat, that just happens to hinder the catcher, is not sufficient for interference - in my opinion.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN
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