Catcher's Int on Illegally Batted ball

[jkumpire]

Gentlemen,

In this case, how many times are we really going to see the batter out of the box before the INT by F2?

As a practical matter, how many times a year do any of us see the batter out of the box? How many times should we see it?

In short, if I have INT by F2, unless it is so blatant it can't be ignored, I am not seeing the batter out of the box. End of problem, unless it is one of those "career plays" (ones you see once an umpire's career).

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

Gentlemen,

In this case, how many times are we really going to see the batter out of the box before the INT by F2?

As a practical matter, how many times a year do any of us see the batter out of the box? How many times should we see it?

In short, if I have INT by F2, unless it is so blatant it can't be ignored, I am not seeing the batter out of the box. End of problem, unless it is one of those "career plays" (ones you see once an umpire's career).

I agree with this.

That said, the original question was what to do if we do see it.

And, the end result is often the same.

[UMP25]

Originally Posted by jkumpire

As a practical matter, how many times a year do any of us see the batter out of the box? How many times should we see it?

I probably call this 2 or 3 times each year, and it's always on the same type of play: a bunt. Usually it's on a bunt when the batter runs halfway to the mound before making contact; sometimes it's when the guy squares around so poorly that one of his feet is literally stationed behind the point of the plate when he makes contact. These situations are so obvious that it makes it easier to call it.