Batter Hit by Catcher's Throw

[IceGator8]

Originally Posted by CoachJM

IceGator8,

Perhaps you didn't actually read blueump's description of the 2nd play in question.



When the catcher does not cleanly field the pitch (as is clearly the case in this situation), the "Batter Interference" criteria no longer apply in the umpire's judgement of whether interference has occurred. Specifically, the batter leaving the box does NOT automatically make him liable to an Interference call if his action hinders the defense's subsequent attempt at a play.

Rather, the defense having "misplayed" (via the wild pitch/passed ball) shifts the burden of proof/benefit of the doubt in determining whether or not interference has occurred. As BigUmp56 and mbyron correctly point out, the umpire must judge intent to interfere by the offensive player in order for the defense to get an Interference call in this situation.

The umpire did not so judge in this case. Therefore, the ball remains "live and in play" subsequent to the catcher's throwing error in hitting the runner with the throw.

If the umpire judges that the F2 intentionally threw at the batter who had vacated the batter's box in an attempt to draw an interference call rather than a legitimate attempt to make a play, then the catcher should be ejected from the game - despite his idiot coach's instructions. Personally, I'd try to find a way to eject the coach too.



If that statement is true, everybody around "here" is calling it incorrectly.

JM

Ok, I'm the catcher. There's a passed ball which I go back to field. I whirl and throw down to third. The batter has stepped into my line of fire outside the box. Throw hits batter. How are you going to judge my intent?

I'm just curious.