Is this obstruction on the batter?

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by wheels01

When consulting the rule book, it states the batter is only obstructing if he leaves the batter's box and hinders the throw. The umpire then gets out his case book and says the batter must stay in his stance after the ball passes. He says that because the batter simply raised up (straightened his legs), he cause the catcher to double pump and make a bad throw - therefore constituting obstruction. (He says this is a judgement call, not a rule infraction).

So, what's your take on this?

My take is that the umpire working the game was right in that it certainly is a judgment call. And the rule you're hanging your hat on has only been cited in part by you. The rule says that it's batters interference if the batter steps out of the box, or makes any other movement that hinders the play. Your play could easily fall under the second provision of the rule if the umpire felt the batter stood upright into the path of the catcher with a disregard to the play.


Tim.