Bullpen Pitcher Fields Ball

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

I agree this is the way it should be called, but it is not the way the interp. is written.

For this rule, MLB defines intent (applicable to both offensive and defensive INT):

"If, however, such person kicks the ball or picks it up or pushes it, that is considered intentional interference regardless of such person's actual intent."

When the offensive player picks up the ball, he has, by definition, intentionally interfered.

Just a bad choice of words. I'm not going to lose sleep over it.

I imagine that the rule is written this way to put a burden on people on the field to figure out the status of a ball they encounter. Look around to see if a fielder is running at you; holler, "is this ball in play?"; something, before you pick the damn thing up.

Not a bad idea, IMO.

[ozzy6900]

Wouldn't we first be concerned if the bull pen is in play or out of play? Some fields have ground rules that put the on-field bull pen out of bounds or did we forget that little item (ground rules).

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Wouldn't we first be concerned if the bull pen is in play or out of play? Some fields have ground rules that put the on-field bull pen out of bounds or did we forget that little item (ground rules).

I think the discussion presumes the bull pen is in live ball territory. Otherwise, it would be a very short discussion.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

I think the discussion presumes the bull pen is in live ball territory. Otherwise, it would be a very short discussion.

You're right. Why on earth would you have interference if the ball is already dead?

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

Wouldn't we first be concerned if the bull pen is in play or out of play? Some fields have ground rules that put the on-field bull pen out of bounds or did we forget that little item (ground rules).

The OP specifically says "on the field of play" (and, that might be my typo -- the RefMag play *might* have been "in the field of play").

in any event, if it was "oob" it wouldn't be "on / in the field of play."