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Originally Posted by jhelbling
I coach little league ball (11 years old). This is an issue that comes up every game.
Runner on 2B - stealing 3B
Originally - I taught my catchers to step behind the batter (Right handed batter) for any pitch over the plate or inside. If the pitch takes him out then step forward and throw. However, even on inside pitches batters have a natural tendancy to step back and look at the play which puts them right in the path of the catcher as he steps back. Batter is still in batter's box so I know he is entitled to the box - but batter inadvertantly blocks throw to 3B.
Any ruling on that specifically?
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Inadvertently or not if a batter steps back into the path of F2 and hinders his attempt to retire a runner, he's interfered and is to be ruled out. Unless with less than two outs and a runner attempting to score from third - the runner is out. The batter shouldn't be called for interference if he remains still in the box, but being in the box itself doesn't absolve him from making additional movements that hinder the play.
Tim.