Batter Interference

[PeteBooth]

Originally posted by His High Holiness



I don't usually deal with rules questions but an interesting situation came up last night where I did a 13 inning game as the PU (Ugh):

NCAA rules, R1, 1 out, batter is right handed.

R1 starts to steal and the batter swings, steps across the plate and clearly interferes with the catcher's throw to second. I am about to call interference when out of the corner of my eye, I see R1 turn around and retreat to first. The catcher's throw gets to second without delay and there is no chance for a relay to first because R1 is within 20 feet of first by the time F4 gets the ball. (Even if the batter had not interfered, there would have been no chance to get R1 back at first after even a perfect throw to second. R1 got too late of a jump, reocgnized his error, and had stopped by the time the ball had reached the plate.)

I have interference on this play and here's why.

In order for interference to be called we need a play or an attempted play.

A play is defined as the act of the defense in trying to put out a runner.

F2 definitely made a play on r1. The fact that R1 retreated IMO is moot. Suppose F2 (because he was interfered with) threw the ball in centerfield. As umpires, at the time of the interference, we don't know what is going to happen and frankly it's not our job to know what is going to happen.

All we know at that EXACT moment, is that B1 interfered. The only time the interference is waved off is if F2 completes the play anyway.

Peter I'm surprised at your ruling because of the nature of this game. It was a marathon and here you had a legitimate chance to get an out and get closer to going home. If you are going to stretch the rule at least stretch it in your favor ie; Find some-way on this interference call to get 2 on this play (Grin)

Pete Booth