Batter Interference

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

Okay, here's a rule question from a basketball guy.
Isn't intent required for interference in this play? If the batter didn't know where the ball was, how could he have intended to interfere?

Ordinarily, intent is required for interference with a thrown ball. But that standard is applied to a runner, and that higher standard is required because the runner has something he's supposed to be doing, namely baserunning. If his doing that puts him in the way of a play by the defense, play the bounce.

The batter has nothing better to do here than to pay attention to where the ball is and to get out of the way. If he fails to do so, he's guilty of interference whether or not he intentionally hinders the defense.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Ordinarily, intent is required for interference with a thrown ball. But that standard is applied to a runner, and that higher standard is required because the runner has something he's supposed to be doing, namely baserunning. If his doing that puts him in the way of a play by the defense, play the bounce.

The batter has nothing better to do here than to pay attention to where the ball is and to get out of the way. If he fails to do so, he's guilty of interference whether or not he intentionally hinders the defense.

thanks to all who answered, I appreciate it. This makes sense.

[UmpTTS43]

Originally Posted by mbyron

The batter has nothing better to do here than to pay attention to where the ball is and to get out of the way. If he fails to do so, he's guilty of interference whether or not he intentionally hinders the defense.

I disagree. It is not the batter's job to find a misplayed/pitched ball. As long as the batter vacates the area and does not intentionally interfere with the throw, he is good. I do not know of a rule that would support your claim.

[Kleff]

Thanks to everyone who responded, I still a little unsure how I will rule in the future based on some of these answers(batters intnent, bad throw from catcher will haveto play apart) I'll have to read 7.09c and 7.11a little closer

In hindsight I guess I should have waited for PU to ask me my opinion before I offered mine. I guess the only person who really knows why he was walking out there would be the PU himself??
Once again I apoligize for my post yesterday

Thanks
Mike