Catcher catching ball in front of the plate.

[GA Umpire]

OBR:

CI. Batter gets 1B. 6.08(c)

If R3 is trying to score on a squeeze play or a steal on the pitch, then CI, batter gets 1B and balk charged to pitcher and all runners move up 1 base including the runner who now scores. 7.07

[Ump Rube]

In FED: BR awarded 1B any runner forced is awarded that base as well, and any runners stealing are awarde that base. In the OP R1 gets 2B on either the steal or the award to the BR, and R3 stays at 3B b/c he was not stealing.

[johnnyg08]

in FED if it's a balk, all runners advance one base...everything after the balk doesn't matter. Dead ball balks.

[Ump Rube]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

in FED if it's a balk, all runners advance one base...everything after the balk doesn't matter. Dead ball balks.

I agree a balk is 1 base, and a DB, but don't believe this is a balk.

[UMP25]

One need only ask himself: "Did the catcher hinder or impede the batter's attempt to swing at the pitch?" If yes, it's defensive (catcher's) interference (NCAA/OBR terminology).

Even if the batter did not, in fact, swing, if the catcher's actions prevented the batter from even being able to swing, then one can have defensive interference.

[johnnyg08]

So, w/ no runners on base, we'd award B/R 1B, just as though he's attempted to swing and hit the mitt that was out over the plate. Is the 'buffer zone' considered the plate? Or is that strictly umpire judgement? I know this sounds like a dumb question, but the batter does absorb some burden on attempting to hit the pitch, correct?

[UMP25]

There isn't any buffer zone, per se; rather, it's just that he has to be able to at least make a legitimate attempt to swing unperturbed at the pitch. If the catcher is on or in front of the plate, there's no way the batter is going to be able to do this. Consequently, we have defensive interference.