Quote:
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Originally Posted by mbyron
He decided not to call it, since he hadn't moved: F2 had simply put his foot in the wrong place.
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What if...
He hadn't moved, the catcher drew back to throw and his throwing hand hit the umpire square in the mask? I wouldn't have a problem calling UI on that one.
The rule doesn't say, "If the umpire doesn't move, there is no interfrence", or, "If the catcher moves into the umpire, there is no interference". It just says, "The umpire interferes with the catcher making a throw". So, "I didn't move", isn't really a good justification for not making the UI call.
I think that the reason for this rule- one of only two possible Umpire Interference rulings- is the fact that the plate umpire is always going to be in close proximity to F2. Any contact, no matter who moved or who initiated it, can affect the outcome of the play. Give the benefit of the doubt to the defense if there is any contact at all and the play is altered.
As described, I would call UI on the play offered.