Make the Call Here

[mbyron]

Well, it's not (b) or (c).

Doesn't matter whether R1 would have been out. It DOES matter if R1 is actually put out on the play: if R1 is put out, then disregard interference.

Since R1 was not out on the play in your case, the call would depend on whether you judge that the batter hindered the catcher's attempt to play on the runner. J/R has a list of criteria here, but I don't have them with me. Maybe someone else could post them.

If you judge that it's interference by the batter, then the answer is:

(d) batter is out, runner returns to 1B.

If not interference, then (a). Given your description of the case, I'd call interference: answer (d).

The relevant rule is 6.06(c):

A batter is out for illegal action when ... (c) He interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base.

[Edited by mbyron on Apr 21st, 2005 at 11:37 PM]