what would you call?

[umpjim]

Calling a balk because the catcher left the front of the box on this would be a stretch. The catcher can leave the box at TOP so more than likely he was in the box. CO is the correct rule to apply here.

[dash_riprock]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Calling a balk because the catcher left the front of the box on this would be a stretch. The catcher can leave the box at TOP so more than likely he was in the box. CO is the correct rule to apply here.

Except for FED, it's a balk because the rule says it's a balk.

[MD Longhorn]

Don't we have both? A "catcher's balk" and obstruction by the catcher?

[umpjim]

So if the catcher reaches across the plate and obstructs the batter on a squeeze you are going to call CO but if he steps on home plate in the same situation you are going to call a balk?
The criteria for that balk BTW allows the catcher out of the box right after time of pitch. This is not a balk most umpires look for. It could be called with catchers setting up for outside pitches, pitchouts and even catchers that extend one leg out to get lower but the TOP criteria usually is met in those sits.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Don't we have both? A "catcher's balk" and obstruction by the catcher?

So we move all runners up 1 and award BR 1st?

On a balk, only the runners are moved up. What about B2 who's opportunity for a hit (bunt single) was taken away?

Obstruction awards the stealing runner and batter a base and others if forced, which seems to be a more advantageous penalty for the defenses error.

I didn't think NFHS used the term "catcher's balk"? I don't have my book

[mbyron]

To those advocating for a balk here: the OP does not state that F2 left the box before F1 released the pitch.

Without more info in support of the balk, it sounds like garden-variety catcher INT/OBS to me.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by mbyron

To those advocating for a balk here: the OP does not state that F2 left the box before F1 released the pitch.

Without more info in support of the balk, it sounds like garden-variety catcher INT/OBS to me.

Balk=Immediate dead ball in FED. No play takes place.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by mbyron

To those advocating for a balk here: the OP does not state that F2 left the box before F1 released the pitch.

Without more info in support of the balk, it sounds like garden-variety catcher INT/OBS to me.

It's not release of pitch; it's time of pitch 1-1-3.

Hard to believe that the catcher was out front before or as the pitcher started his delivery from either the set or windup.

[thumpferee]

Out of curiosity, did the batter attempt to hit the ball?

Are we gonna get an official interp?

I'm going to the archives. I know there was a debate over this years ago.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by umpjim

It's not release of pitch; it's time of pitch 1-1-3

You mean 1-1-4.

I was thinking of OBR for some reason. 4.03a

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by mbcrowder

Don't we have both? A "catcher's balk" and obstruction by the catcher?

If you have a balk the ball becomes immediately dead is the reason you can't have obstruction in FED. The play didn't happen. The batter doesn't go to first, all runners advance one base. Simple as that.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by Steven Tyler

If you have a balk the ball becomes immediately dead is the reason you can't have obstruction in FED. The play didn't happen. The batter doesn't go to first, all runners advance one base. Simple as that.

Good point.