Backswing hit the catcher on a steal attempt

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

And, fwiw, umpires who start with FED and then move to OBR are just as mystified by the difference. They don't understand why a batter wouldn't be responsible for his follow-through and why the offense isn't penalized for the action. (Batter swings and falls over the plate -- get the second out; batter swings and contacts the catcher with the follow through -- return the runner. Why the difference?)

I believe the difference is that one is considered "full blown" interference and the other is "weak" interference.

FED is just a different animal altogether with it's rule set.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

I believe the difference is that one is considered "full blown" interference and the other is "weak" interference.

But *why* are they considered different things? They both are interference, and interference with a play. So, why the different treatment?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

But *why* are they considered different things? They both are interference, and interference with a play. So, why the different treatment?

Why three strikes and four balls?

Some things just are.

In this case it's probably due to having the bat hit the catcher because the catcher stepped into its path. Catchers (once trained), with a runner going, tend to jump into throwing position as the pitch is arriving - so it's partly his fault.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.