Catcher interference!

docs67 · #1 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 24, 2002, 02:43am

Is it an imediate dead ball when the batter swings at a pitch, the catcher reaches for the pitch with gloved hand, the bat hits the catcher's glove and the ball goes into fair territory?

Or do we have a delayed dead ball, batter gets first, runners that advanced go back to original bases and score only if forced in?

[Edited by docs67 on Apr 24th, 2002 at 02:46 AM]

bluezebra · #2 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 24, 2002, 02:51am

More information needed. Did the bat hit the ball? If so, what was the result?

Bob

docs67 · #3 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 24, 2002, 02:55am

Yes, the bat hit the ball also, rolled to the pitcher who threw the batter-runner out at first. Runners on 2nd and 3rd. The runner from 3rd scored. This was the 2nd out recorded in the inning.

PeteBooth · #4 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 24, 2002, 07:17am

Originally posted by docs67

Is it an imediate dead ball when the batter swings at a pitch, the catcher reaches for the pitch with gloved hand, the bat hits the catcher's glove and the ball goes into fair territory?

Or do we have a delayed dead ball, batter gets first, runners that advanced go back to original bases and score only if forced in?

CI or CO (Catcher's Interference in OBR Catcher's Obstruction in FED), is a delayed dead ball - meaning do not enforce until playing action has ended.

Did B1 and all other runners advance at least one base? If the answer is yes, then the CI is ignored. If the answer is NO we have more to do.

CI is the one penalty where baseball is like football, a coach has options. He / she can either except the penalty or take the result of the play. It all depends upon the nature of the game and what happened.

The biggest debate among umpires concerning this rule is whether or not we should TELL the coach he / she has options or simply enforce the penalty and wait for the coach to say something.

Pete Booth

bluezebra · #5 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 24, 2002, 01:37pm

"The biggest debate among umpires concerning this rule is whether or not we should TELL the coach he / she has options or simply enforce the penalty and wait for the coach to say something."

I equate this with a FB ref giving the captain the options on a penalty. Let the coach know his options. I never believed coaches know the rules, and believed it's our job to tell him.

Bob

docs67 · #6 (**permalink**) Wed Apr 24, 2002, 05:09pm

Thanks for the prompt responses! I will be sure to get this call correct the next time.