Batter picking up the ball

[PeteBooth]

[QUOTE]

Originally Posted by UmpJM (nee CoachJM)

chitownvet,

This is probably most properly ruled "weak interference" - kill it, send the runners back, tell the BR he really shouldn't ought to do that.

JM IMO not weak interference. OBR 3.15 covers this situation

Rule 3.15 Comment: The question of intentional or unintentional interference shall be decided on the basis of the person’s action. If, however, he kicks the ball or picks it up or pushes it, that is considered intentional interference, regardless of what his thought may have been.

We are NOT mind readers and the fact that the ball was picked up is deemed intentional interference so I agree with the out call.

Pete Booth