Catcher Interference

[OrlandoDad]

I saw a Catcher Interference call today. I looked up the rule and it appeared to be the correct call.

Runners on 2nd and 3rd and the batter hits the ball foul and I heard something weird and the umpire called Catcher Interference and placed the batter on first.

This was a Little League Baseball game and I believe they play by MLB rules(with modifications) Right?

I remember a HS Umpire advancing all runners on Catcher Interference play very similar to this. Do they have a different rule in HS? It is possible that i am remembering a Softball game(of course, they may have different rules, as well) But, I am pretty sure it was a HS Baseball game.

Thanks,
Orlando Dad

PS Do all LL Umpires call balls 2 inches off the ground strikes, or is it just here? LOL

[Matt]

Originally Posted by OrlandoDad

Runners on 2nd and 3rd and the batter hits the ball foul and I heard something weird and the umpire called Catcher Interference and placed the batter on first.

This was a Little League Baseball game and I believe they play by MLB rules(with modifications) Right?

Yes, LL uses OBR as the base for its rules.

Originally Posted by OrlandoDad

I remember a HS Umpire advancing all runners on Catcher Interference play very similar to this. Do they have a different rule in HS? It is possible that i am remembering a Softball game(of course, they may have different rules, as well) But, I am pretty sure it was a HS Baseball game.

While FED does use different rules, this one is the same. On CI, there is the option to take the play or the penalty. The penalty is that the batter is awarded first, and any runners advance if forced. In addition, any runner stealing on the pitch is awarded a base. Also, if R3 is attempting a steal of home, a balk is also enforced and ALL runners advance.

Originally Posted by OrlandoDad

PS Do all LL Umpires call balls 2 inches off the ground strikes, or is it just here? LOL

When you consider the diameter of the ball and the height of a batter, a pitch two inches off the ground very well could be a strike.

[RPatrino]

There are many factors that go into calling a strike, and what appears to be a 'low' pitch could very well be a strike. Many little league catchers set up very far away from the plate, so a pitch that is caught 2 inches off the ground probably passed through the strike zone. A properly coached catcher is an umpires dream!!

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

This IS NOT Interference by the Catcher; this IS Obstruction by the Catcher.

MTD, Sr.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

This IS NOT Interference by the Catcher; this IS Obstruction by the Catcher.

MTD, Sr.

Nice try but you got caught by the rules differences.

In FED it's catcher's obstruction.

In OBR and LL it's catcher's interference.

2.00 INTERFERENCE (b) Defensive interference is an act by a fielder that hinders or prevents a batter
from hitting a pitch.

6.08 The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put
out (provided he advances to and touches first base) when—
(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with him.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by OrlandoDad

PS Do all LL Umpires call balls 2 inches off the ground strikes, or is it just here? LOL

The ole I am going to appear like I know something about umpiring and the rules of baseball and throw my dig in about officials.Huh.

If you don't like the way other people officiate, get off your butt and try it yourself.

Sorry, no sympathy here for whinning parents.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by OrlandoDad

PS Do all LL Umpires call balls 2 inches off the ground strikes, or is it just here? LOL

No, not all LL umpires call a good strike zone: some have the kids out there for 3 or 4 hours to play a 6 inning game.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by Matt

Also, if R3 is attempting a steal of home, a balk is also enforced and ALL runners advance.

Matt, I can't find this. Citation?

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Matt

Yes, LL uses OBR as the base for its rules.



While FED does use different rules, this one is the same. On CI, there is the option to take the play or the penalty. The penalty is that the batter is awarded first, and any runners advance if forced. In addition, any runner stealing on the pitch is awarded a base. Also, if R3 is attempting a steal of home, a balk is also enforced and ALL runners advance.




When you consider the diameter of the ball and the height of a batter, a pitch two inches off the ground very well could be a strike.

I believe FED does not advance any other runners on CI (Catchers Obstruction in FED) with a steal or squeeze of home. No balk.

[DG]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Matt, I can't find this. Citation?

+1.

And a pitch 2 inches above the ground (plate) would not be a strike for a toddler just started walking.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by mbyron

matt, i can't find this. Citation?

7.07

[johnnyg08]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

This IS NOT Interference by the Catcher; this IS Obstruction by the Catcher.

MTD, Sr.

So in big boy baseball, it's Interference.

[Matt]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

7.07

FED, it's not (wrote ahead of myself above.) See 8.1.1L.

[mbyron]

OK, thanks, thought I was missing something!

Originally Posted by Case Book

8.1.1 SITUATION L

With R1 on third base and trying to score on a steal or squeeze play, F2 obstructs the batter's swing.

RULING: This is defensive obstruction and R1 is awarded home. The batter is awarded first base.

COMMENT: If the catcher, or any other defensive player, obstructs the batter before he has become a batter-runner, the batter is awarded first base. If on such obstruction a runner is trying to score by a steal or a squeeze from third base, the play will be a delayed dead ball which results in the runner on third scoring and the batter being awarded first base. Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the bases occupied at the time of the obstruction.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by johnnyg08

So in big boy baseball, it's Interference.

It's interference in ANY OBR-based rule set. Not just the big boys.