Common Sense and Fair Play?

[bob jenkins]

Originally posted by jicecone
I agree that intentionally "stepping out of the batter's box or by making a movement that hinders the catcher's throwing or fielding," are "active verbs -- requiring a (reasonably) conscious effort on the part of the batter."

But what is unintentionally, "stepping out of the batter's box or by making a movement that hinders the catcher's throwing or fielding?" Are those inactive verbs, that do not require "a (reasonably) conscious effort on the part of the batter."

General statements:

If the batter *meant* to move, it's interference, whether the batter *intended* to interfere, or not.

If the batter is *forced* to move, it's not interference.

Play: F1 pitches inside and batter goes down in a heap (i.e., moves). F2 trips over the batter while attempting a throw. The batter made no other movement.

My ruling: Play on.

Your ruling: Interference, even though it wasn't "intentional"????