Is this catcher interference?

[Larry1953]

Umpire's Resource Center - Rules that Catchers and Plate Umpires Need to Know - Part VII
Former umpire Jim Evans, who heads the “Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring,” offers his perspective on the rule and its history. “The catcher is required to be in the catcher’s box until the pitcher initiates his delivery,” said Evans. “Once the pitcher starts his motion, the catcher is allowed to move out of the box. The rule was originally created when the catcher’s box was much larger, triangular, and implemented to discourage pitchers from pitching around hitters when the intentional walk was not a strategic part of the game.”

Evans’ interpretation is a bit more liberal but more realistic as to the way the game is umpired on the major league level. Evans’ interpretation allows the catcher to move out of the box the moment the pitcher “initiates” his delivery whereas 4.03 (a) restricts the catcher from leaving the box until “the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by Larry1953

Umpire's Resource Center - Rules that Catchers and Plate Umpires Need to Know - Part VII
Former umpire Jim Evans, who heads the “Jim Evans Academy of Professional Umpiring,” offers his perspective on the rule and its history. “The catcher is required to be in the catcher’s box until the pitcher initiates his delivery,” said Evans. “Once the pitcher starts his motion, the catcher is allowed to move out of the box. The rule was originally created when the catcher’s box was much larger, triangular, and implemented to discourage pitchers from pitching around hitters when the intentional walk was not a strategic part of the game.”

Evans’ interpretation is a bit more liberal but more realistic as to the way the game is umpired on the major league level. Evans’ interpretation allows the catcher to move out of the box the moment the pitcher “initiates” his delivery whereas 4.03 (a) restricts the catcher from leaving the box until “the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.

When the rule book reads "unless Evans says differently" than I will start following what he has to say.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by jicecone

When the rule book reads "unless Evans says differently" than I will start following what he has to say.

Do you really make the catcher wait for the ball to leave the pitcher's hand on an IW?

You're really out of touch if you do.

And the rule only applies to an IW, not a pitchout.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Do you really make the catcher wait for the ball to leave the pitcher's hand on an IW?

You're really out of touch if you do.

And the rule only applies to an IW, not a pitchout.

And besides - what's the difference between an IW and 4 pitchouts?

[Larry1953]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

And besides - what's the difference between an IW and 4 pitchouts?

An IW is counted for official scoring purposes when the catcher extends he gloved hand out for the 4th ball. Once he assumes that position, the rule says that he is supposed to keep both feet in the box until the pitch is released. As explained by Jim Evans above, there is latitude given once the pitcher starts his motion to the plate.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by Larry1953

An IW is counted for official scoring purposes when the catcher extends he gloved hand out for the 4th ball. Once he assumes that position, the rule says that he is supposed to keep both feet in the box until the pitch is released. As explained by Jim Evans above, there is latitude given once the pitcher starts his motion to the plate.

Humor escapes you, I see.

[Larry1953]

Originally Posted by MrUmpire

Humor escapes you, I see.

It appeared to be a serious question that brought up a proper answer.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by Larry1953

An IW is counted for official scoring purposes when the catcher extends he gloved hand out for the 4th ball.

That would be interesting with a RH batter.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

That would be interesting with a RH batter.

Dash...you're engaged in a battle of wits with an unarmed man.

[Larry1953]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

That would be interesting with a RH batter.

Quite correct. I should have written ...extends a hand out. Sorry about that.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by dash_riprock

And besides - what's the difference between an IW and 4 pitchouts?

If you don't know then you don't belong on a field with a game over the 10U level.