Tradition and Usage

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by U of M Sam

My point/opinion (as the reason for the OP)
Interference=immediate dead ball
Obstruction=delayed dead ball
Should be catchers obstruction and batters obstruction (not interference)
Let's call it what it is - will the rules folks ever append the "words"?
Sam

That's certainly one way to define the words "interference" and "obstruction." Most of us don't define them that way, though (nor do we want to).

I think most of us want to define the words as:

Interference: A violation by the offense or the umpire.
Obstruction: A violation by the defense

With the exception of "Catcher's interference" in OBR, I think this is how the terms are used. Either can be immediate dead ball or delayed dead ball (ignoring for the moment those who say there is no such thing in OBR), depending on the circumstances and the code.