Catcher's Obstruction: Hit or E2?
 

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TwoBits,

If the CI penalty is enforced, E2 (see 10.13(f)).

If the penalty is decined by the offensive mgr. or the conditions are such that the CI is disregarded, score the play as if the CI didn't happen.

JM

Thanks. That keeps my kid's no-hitter intact.:)

grats to your kid.... what age group was it? and where did he play?

He's 8 playing on a 10 and under team. Pitched 5 innings, walked 5, struck out 13. Only kid that scored was the one who got reached on catcher's obstruction and scored on a fielder's choice.

I refer to him as "Dad's retirement plan". :)

HE'S EIGHT. invest. buy some mutual funds. WOW.

Repeat after me: Catcher's Interference. Thank you.

(I know FED uses the phrase catcher's obstruction, but it's idiotic.)

I wouldn't throw all of your apples in one basket...I threw a couple no-no's back in the day...with the same/similar amount of K's and I never came close to the bigs...now I don't know your son...but in 11 years if he's still the real deal, please call me out and I will personally congratulate you...until then, keep your son humble...

I disagree. All other Interference deals with the offense and obstruction on the defense. Why should the catcher's defensive infraction be called interference when all other defensive infractions are obstruction?

etn_ump,

Obstruction happens to runners. (Defensive) Interference happens to batters.

OBSTRUCTION is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.

(b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch.

Of course, we also have umpire and spectator interference which could possibly disadvantage either the offense or defense. Thinking of of it as "the offense interferes & the defense obstructs" is not a good way to think of it. Unless you're doing FED, of course.

JM

Hmm. With that kind of pitch count at 8, you'll be lucky if he's still able to throw in high school.

Let's do the math:

13 Ks - min of 39 pitches (assume 3 pitches per K)
5 BB - min of 20 pitches (assume 4 pitches per BB)

That's a minimum of 59 pitches. Probably closer to 75 pitches, not including the E2 or FC. His actual pitch count was likely approaching 85-90 pitches, if not more.

When my son starting pitching at 9, all the research I did suggested pitch counts in the 30-40 range for that age.

My son is 12 now, and our BEST pitcher averages 15 pitches per inning. So that's 75 in 5 innings.

Just some FYI.

Guys, guys, guys. I know the odds of him making the pros is astronomical. But I can dream can't I? :) He's a pretty good basketball player, too, and I keep telling him that unless his name is Michael Jordan, there will ALWAYS be somebody better than him. Obviously that analogy doesn't fit in baseball. :)

As for "interfence" vs. "obstruction", I do mostly FED, so I use FED terminology.

Game was suspended and completed a week later. He had plenty of rest.

You ought to see the wicked curve ball he can throw!

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THAT WAS A JOKE! Don't start bashing me with "kids shouldn't throw curves" comments!:D

Every Little Leaguer I've ever seen pitch throws some kind of breaking ball. That is such a myth. The arm motion for a curve is totally natural, at least not any more unnatural than pitching is in the first place. Now a screwgie is a different subject. This pitch puts an unnatural strain on the wrist and arm. At least I learned something in my Physiology and Kinesiology classes.

Steve:

Read these. Every reputable study I've ever read on this subject maintains that since the growth plates do not completely close in the elbow until they're older, a curve ball should not be thrown until at least 14-16 years of age.


Youth Pitchers

Youth Pitchers

Youth Pitchers


Tim.

fair enough TwoBits...I'm not a father yet, but i'm sure it's exciting to watch your son be successful playing such a great game. Have fun...I hear it goes fast!

While I wouldn't recommend a 12-6 or Barry Zito like curve for young kids, where an extreme snap of the wrist is required, I don't think all breaking pitches should be banned. The common variety flipped up frisbee curve is commonplace among the 8 to 12 year old pitchers, and some have an "Ephus" style drop curve which basically relies on gravity for its break.

Occasionally I run into a parent or a coach which prohibits their son or player from throwing curves, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

The problem I see is most kids drop to side arm to throw a curve. They discover they get more break that way.

My kid has been taught a curve, but not by me or any other coach he's had. Unfortunately he has older cousins that has shown him. I've told him and made it clear to any coach he's had they he will not throw curves under any circumstance.

Just don't let him throw a "rising fastball." ;)

Shhhhhh.......quiet!

SAUmp might be listening!!!:D