HS Fed - Catcher Obstruction question

[Uncle George]

For me, it's nothing until bat hits glove on the swing! If I think that the catcher is too close, I say nothing. It's not my place to "coach" the game, it's to enforce the rules so the game is played by the rules. Don't get me wrong. I do have a heart, I feel sorry for the player. In most cases the catcher will remember what happened and scoot back a little. As they say, experience is the best teacher.

[mcrowder]

It's a bad practice to reach out, but let me ask you this - what did he obstruct? If the batter wasn't swinging, then the catcher's actions didn't obstruct anything.

PS - you should not coach the players on where to stand/sit. They have coaches for that. Wait until one gets by, the coach gets on the catcher, and the catcher says, "But coach, Blue told me to move up." Officiate the game - don't affect it. (And if your umping kiddos - you're better off telling the coach about a potential problem than telling the kid to move back).

[bob jenkins]

I'm 98% certain that there's a FED case that indicates it *is* obstrcution if F2's mitt is over the plate after F1 begins his motion (or is in a position ready to pitch).

[Justme]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

I'm 98% certain that there's a FED case that indicates it *is* obstrcution if F2's mitt is over the plate after F1 begins his motion (or is in a position ready to pitch).

I'm not sure what the FED case book says but the BRD states:

287 Interference by: Catcher: Definition

FED: Catcher obstruction (interference) occurs when the catcher: (1) touches the batter's bat; (2) pushes the batter to reach the pitch; or (3) steps on or across home plate to reach the pitch (8.3.1c)

[ozzy6900]

Your answer is in the FED Case Book.

NHFS Case book 2006


8.1.1 SITUATION F: R1 is on second base. After B2 takes his position in batter's box, F2 clearly reaches out over home plate (a) prior to; (b) after F1 has made a movement that has committed him to pitch; or (c) to receive the pitch.

RULING: It is catcher obstruction in both (b) and (c), and B2 is awarded first base and R1 is awarded third base only if he was stealing on the pitch. F2 may not catch the pitch until it has passed home plate. In (a), there is no violation provided F2 and his equipment are removed from the area over home plate before pitcher has made a movement that committed him to pitch. (8-3-1 c)

[DG]

It's catcher interference, and in FED it is called if batter just stands there. In OBR the catcher has to interfere with batter's attempt to swing to be called. Also, in OBR if a runner on 3B is trying to advance by steal or squeeze the pitcher is charged with a balk and the runner is awarded 1B (7.07).

On the other subject, if a catcher is too close to the plate I tell him he is crowding the plate and will help his pitcher out if he will back up so I can get a better look at the plate. I don't call that coaching, I call it "I want to see the plate".

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by DG

In OBR the catcher has to interfere with batter's attempt to swing to be called. (7.07).

I don't think that's correct, DG. Here's what the JEA says.


Professional Interpretation:

Catcher interference is any physical act which interferes with the batter while he is preparing or attempting to offer at a pitched ball.

Situations :

The pitcher is in his wind-up as the catcher settles into his position and inadvertently touches the batter's bat. The pitch is delivered and the batter does not swing. The pitch is out of the strike zone. What's the call?

RULING:

Since the pitcher had not delivered the ball at the time of the interference, the umpire shall call "time" and the batter and pitcher start over. No penalty.


Tim.

[CLBuffalo]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Your answer is in the FED Case Book.

NHFS Case book 2006


8.1.1 SITUATION F: R1 is on second base. After B2 takes his position in batter's box, F2 clearly reaches out over home plate (a) prior to; (b) after F1 has made a movement that has committed him to pitch; or (c) to receive the pitch.

RULING: It is catcher obstruction in both (b) and (c), and B2 is awarded first base and R1 is awarded third base only if he was stealing on the pitch. F2 may not catch the pitch until it has passed home plate. In (a), there is no violation provided F2 and his equipment are removed from the area over home plate before pitcher has made a movement that committed him to pitch. (8-3-1 c)

Thank you ozzy6900. I have not yet received a Case Book. If and when I do I will read it thoroughly. Thanks to everyone for their responses also.