[greymule]

(forget this term of "verbal interference"--I wouldn't even use that adjective "verbal" in my explanation to the inevitably arguing coach or manager)?

It is true that the strict meaning of verbal is simply "of, in, or by means of words." Therefore, a written letter or a stone-carved saying is a verbal communication, and editors of documents that could have legal consequences are careful to distinguish between verbal and oral. In general usage, though, verbal has come to mean oral, as in, "He gave me verbal assurance."

So if we had to go to court to argue "verbal interference," then "Drop it!" might qualify, but "Blagghhh!" might not, since it's not a word. Of course, we'd have an argument if a passing runner yelled "Irregardless!" and the startled fielder dropped the ball.

But let's not ensconce "oral interference" in the rule book.

If there was a snake under 3b, how would F5 know it?

That's enough out of you!