The ":Bartman" rule

[JRutledge]

Originally posted by sm_bbcoach
Is the Bartman rule differnt for NF and MLB?

If I remember correctly, a fan of the Cubs reached over and interfered with a Cub's fielder on a foul ball.

The batter was not called out for fan interference - correct? And he went on to get a base hit, then allowing FLA to defeat the Marlins and forcing Mr. bartman to relocate his whole life.

Bartman did not interfere with anyone. Alou who was the Left Fielder had to reach into dead ball territory to make the catch. It is not fan interference to stay in dead ball territory and try to catch the ball. The fans are not obligated to move when they are out of play. A fan cannot go into the field of play and interfere but that is not what happened on the play you describe.

Originally posted by sm_bbcoach
I ask because I am unclear about a ruling on the 2005 Part 2 test stating that the batter is out if a fan interferes with a fly ball in foul territory.

If I am wrong, and the batter WAS called out, I appologize in advance for teh memory not being there.

Thanks.

Under NF you can have fan interference on a foul ball if you as the umpire feel that there was interference. A batter can be called out, but that is a judgment call.

Peace