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Originally Posted by scroobs
ASA Rules Just wondering where everyone stands re: the intent needed to justify batter interference on a catcher attempting to throw out a runner. I'm honestly still a little confused about how much intent there needs to be after reading RS #33B and R7 sec6 P,Q and R. Seeing the words "actively hindering" and "intentional" are making me a little nervous. I apologize ahead of time if i haven't given enough info.
#33B B. Batter interference occurs while the batter is at bat and before the ball is
batted. It occurs in fast pitch when the batter interferes with the catcher’s
throw on an attempted steal or when the batter interferes with the catcher on a play at the plate. The batter’s box is not a sanctuary for the batter when a play is being made at the plate. Interference could also occur when a batter releases the bat in a manner that it hits the catcher and
prevents them from making a play. If the batter merely drops the bat and
the catcher trips over it, there is no interference. Batter interference is
also described in RS #24B.
R7 sec 6 The Batter is Out P,Q and R
P. When hindering the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box.
Q. When actively hindering the catcher while in the batter’s box.
R. When intentionally interfering with a thrown ball, in or out of the batter’s box.
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Ok, i'm going to try to break this down the way i see it from the info above. the RS simply states what batter interference is, duh, interference!
R& sec 6, B seems to give us a few guidelines to follow.
P. tells us that if the batter steps out of the box and hinders the catcher while throwing to a base to make a play on a runner, there doesn't need to be "intent"
Q. tells us that if the batter is in the box and isn't "actively hindering" the catcher's ability to throw to the base, that the we should have nothing in this situation unless, in our judgement, that the batter
was trying to "actively hinder" the catcher's throw. there does need to be intent...
R. reinterates the fact that if there's intent inside,or outside of the box on the batter's behalf, that "batter's interference" should be called...