Interference on a pick off
 

Hey Guys had play last night that could have been a a difficult one. Runner on 3rd, pitch to batter,catcher throws to pick off R3 but hits batter in the helmet,. Deffense wants interference, I tell coach batter was in the box not doing anything to interfere with play. My question is this what if batter was out of box and same thing happen! Is there a potential base award or since nobody was advancing is it nothing? Any thoughts???????

Thanks
Mike

If it was a nearly-immediate throw, then the batter is out if he's "made any other movement" that would hinder tha catcher's throw. Being out of the box would (likely) qualify.

If the ball gets away from the catcher, then the batter is treated as "another teammate" and will only be called for interference if it's intentional (including "willful indiffrence.")

I worded my question wrong. I did not mean potential base awards. I meant any baserunners or batter out for interference...Sorry

Mike

To be honest, most throws from F2 to F5 are snap throws, and the batter has no time to move at all. These are simply explained to the DC that "the batter cannot simply dissapear" and that is that.

Of course, I do remember in "kiddie ball", F2 is pumping and pumping, then he finally throws into a batter that had no idea what to do. I never see that in games of older players. Catchers either throw or don't throw.

What I see in my smooth-cheek games is the catcher cocking his arm while stepping behind the RH batter to throw down to third, and the batter bailing out of the box to get out of the way. Often classic dumb-move-batter's interference, if catcher throws. Batter out, runners return. OBR 6.06(c).

The answers still apply.

It was an immediate throw, the batter had no chance to move. I was just curious about, batter being out of the box on a pick off play. The league I am currently working is a High School fall ball. I guess compared to some leagues it is "Kiddie Ball". Either way the rules should be the same in "kiddie ball" or the Major Leagues!

Mike