Batter Interference Question - Educate Me

[Spence]

R3, no outs. Squeeze play. RH batter misses pitch as its outside. F2 goes to run the runner back to 3B and runs into the batter.

What are you looking for to determine if its interference on the batter?

[johnnyg08]

As you describe, probably nothing. Was the hitter where he was supposed to be?

If not, maybe I have INT...in this situation, at least how I'm seeing it, I have nothing.

[Spence]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

As you describe, probably nothing. Was the hitter where he was supposed to be?

If not, maybe I have INT...in this situation, at least how I'm seeing it, I have nothing.

I was watching the runner try to get back to third so I can't say for sure what happened at the plate.

I'm just curious as to what an umpire looks for when determining whether its BI or not.

Lets say the batter lunged for the ball and it took him out of the box and then the catcher ran into him. BI?

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Spence

I was watching the runner try to get back to third so I can't say for sure what happened at the plate.

I'm just curious as to what an umpire looks for when determining whether its BI or not.

Lets say the batter lunged for the ball and it took him out of the box and then the catcher ran into him. BI?

You keep trying to call the batter for interference , just because F2 runs into him.

It doesn't work like that. The batter is entitled to be in the box.

[Spence]

Originally Posted by jicecone

You keep trying to call the batter for interference , just because F2 runs into him.

It doesn't work like that. The batter is entitled to be in the box.

Incorrect. I'm asking questions which is why I included "educate me" in the title. Plus, I said I didn't see what happened at the plate as I was watching the runner. My intention is to ask what umpires are looking for in a subjective call situation.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Spence

Incorrect. I'm asking questions which is why I included "educate me" in the title. Plus, I said I didn't see what happened at the plate as I was watching the runner. My intention is to ask what umpires are looking for in a subjective call situation.

If you were PU, why weren't you watching the batter? You have no runner responsibility.

The short answer to your question is: watch for interference. The batter standing in the batter's box ain't it.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Spence

I was watching the runner try to get back to third so I can't say for sure what happened at the plate.

Why were you watching R3? Without the ball, there can be no play.

[jicecone]

Your first responsibility is calling the pitch and then what happens in front of the plate. If that doesn't happen properly you don't have to worry about the runner. As others have already stated follow the ball to the action.

[bluehair]

y'all are criticizing him for not watching what was going on at the plate. That would be appropriate if he was PU. I think he was a spectator. If he was a paid spectator, then, for shame.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Spence

R3, no outs. Squeeze play. RH batter misses pitch as its outside. F2 goes to run the runner back to 3B and runs into the batter.

What are you looking for to determine if its interference on the batter?

What the rule says to look for.

[jicecone]

Of course this is a had to be there situation.

The batter is entitled to be in the box up to the point that he has completed his attempt to bunt and has ample oppurtunity not to interfer with the play. Remember, the batter can not just disappear.

Now , you have stated that F2 ran into the batter. Well as long as the batter did not do anything intentional to hinder F2, then I have nothing.

Again, had to be there.