Batter Interference

[JJ]

If the batter has time to vacate the area, he better vacate the area. I've even yelled that at him ("Get out of the way!"). I can sell interference a lot better if he's still standing there and, in my judgement, interferes with the play. Of course, there's always that bad throw from the catcher that hits that batter....but that's another post.

JJ

[jicecone]

I agree, provide information and if your partner chooses not to make the call, there is not much you can do except explain the rules to him after the game, because he made both of you look bad.

Then again, not having been there, it is kind of difficult to understand if the batter was in the way of the throw or the catcher just had a bad throw.

[Kleff]

The only reason I asked for a conference with plate umpire, was initially someone from the defensive team yelled "is'nt that interference". Plate umpire looked to me like he did'nt understand why. He actually started walking out to me. Well anyway the batter was about 3 feet outside the batters box down the on the 3rd base side. Runner from 3rd probably would have been safe,but it still would have been close enough to call

[RPatrino]

Kleff, did the plate guy ask for your input by calling time and motioning for you to talk with him? I mean, maybe he was looking at you wondering what you were up to? If not, stay where you are!!
How did that batter interfere with the play from where he was standing? IF the catcher could get an interference call by plugging the batter with the ball they would do it everytime, no?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Kleff

The only reason I asked for a conference with plate umpire, was initially someone from the defensive team yelled "is'nt that interference". Plate umpire looked to me like he did'nt understand why. He actually started walking out to me. Well anyway the batter was about 3 feet outside the batters box down the on the 3rd base side. Runner from 3rd probably would have been safe,but it still would have been close enough to call

Where did the PB go?

Was the batter in the line from the catcher to the pitcher covering or did the throw suck?

[Kleff]

Why would the plate guy be wondering what I was doing???? I was in the c slot. Plate guy started walking towards me in the c slot, that is when I called time and asked him to talk. the conversation took place closer to the c slot than home plate. By him coming out that far I figured he was looking for imput. The PB went toward the 3rd base side batter was deffinetly in the way of throw. The catcher was throwing towards home plate.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Kleff

Why would the plate guy be wondering what I was doing???? I was in the c slot. Plate guy started walking towards me in the c slot, that is when I called time and asked him to talk. the conversation took place closer to the c slot than home plate. By him coming out that far I figured he was looking for imput. The PB went toward the 3rd base side batter was deffinetly in the way of throw. The catcher was throwing towards home plate.

If he wants help he'll ask.

If the coach asks you, you tell the coach to talk to the umpire that made the call.

[Kleff]

Hey guys I think you totally misunderstood what was being asked! I was looking for rule clarification not umpire mechanics! I am well aware of when to ask for help and when to give help. Instead of bashing an umpire give your understanding of the rule. If your clueless on the rule just admit it. Anyway I got call back from an umpire of 40 plus years who actually knows the rulebook, not a few clowns on a forum who think they know the rule book. He says without seeing the play it sounds like interference under rule 7.09 c. Now I know better to just wait for a callback from a umpire with rulebook knowledge rather than posting to this forum!

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Kleff

The only reason I asked for a conference with plate umpire, was initially someone from the defensive team yelled "is'nt that interference". Plate umpire looked to me like he did'nt understand why. He actually started walking out to me. Well anyway the batter was about 3 feet outside the batters box down the on the 3rd base side. Runner from 3rd probably would have been safe,but it still would have been close enough to call

So what you are saying is if someone yells "That's not a strike!" you are going to request a meeting with your partner?

Here's my answer as an umpire evaluator & trainer.

Your partner did not ask for help. Keep your mouth shut and move on.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Kleff

The only reason I asked for a conference with plate umpire, was initially someone from the defensive team yelled "is'nt that interference". Plate umpire looked to me like he did'nt understand why. He actually started walking out to me. Well anyway the batter was about 3 feet outside the batters box down the on the 3rd base side. Runner from 3rd probably would have been safe,but it still would have been close enough to call

OK, based upon the limited information you have supplied here, the batter is approximately 7 feet from home plate where the play is taking place and the catcher hits him. Bad throw. Go back to the "C" position.