batter interference?

[newump]

R2, no outs, batter swings and misses and then falls across the plate. the catcher had come out of his crouch as he was going to throw down to 2nd in an attempt to pick off R2. F2 starts to throw but his hand hits the back of the batter's helmet and the ball bounces a few feet away. do we have interfereence on a pick-off play such as this.

do you need to judge whether or not F2 had a legimate shot to pick off the runner? or is the batter out on interference even if R2 could have easily returned to his base.

[UmpJM]

newump,

As described, this is a textbook case of BI. No need to judge the odds of success of the F2's attempt, nor the batter's intent.

The ball is dead, the batter is out, R2 returns in your sitch.

JM

[socalblue1]

Originally Posted by newump

R2, no outs, batter swings and misses and then falls across the plate. the catcher had come out of his crouch as he was going to throw down to 2nd in an attempt to pick off R2. F2 starts to throw but his hand hits the back of the batter's helmet and the ball bounces a few feet away. do we have interference on a pick-off play such as this.

Do you need to judge whether or not F2 had a legitimate shot to pick off the runner? or is the batter out on interference even if R2 could have easily returned to his base.

From your description it appears to be interference. A 'legitimate chance' to gain an out is not needed. F2 DID throw and his hand hit BR's helmet, causing the throw to go errant.

You don't quote the age or rule set here. OBR 6.06(c) or NCAA 7-11-F would cover this (Batter out, all runner return).