BI/Steal

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by mbyron

Please don't put words in my mouth. I wrote:

"If the batter has stepped across the plate and the F2 comes up to throw, I've got BI."

Nothing you say contradicts my statement. Indeed, your requirement that F2 actually throw the ball is incorrect. You don't have to have a throw to have BI.

But there does have to be interference in some manner. It isn't automatic.

Sometimes, no matter where the batter may be located, F2 starts to throw and doesn't because he sees he has no play. I think you have to be able to recognize those situations.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

But there does have to be interference in some manner. It isn't automatic.

Sometimes, no matter where the batter may be located, F2 starts to throw and doesn't because he sees he has no play. I think you have to be able to recognize those situations.

Sometimes, because of where the batter is located, the catcher starts to throw and doesn't because he CAN'T see! I agree, we as umpires have to recognize those situations.

Also think about the catcher holding his throw back because of instinct of not wanting to break a finger on the batters helmet or bat.

[LMan]

Originally Posted by thumpferee

Also think about the catcher holding his throw back because of instinct of not wanting to break a finger on the batters helmet or bat.

[thumpferee]

Originally Posted by LMan

We have been talking about the batter stepping across the plate. You've never seen a catcher shorten his follow through because the batter is in his way?

[RPatrino]

This is the classic conundrum of sports officiating in general. We can teach the rules, mechanics, and drill situations until we are blue in the lips. We cannot teach judgement, that is what each of us bring individually to the table.

As far as BI goes, if I see it, I will call it. If the batter is in the box and he interferes, it should be called. If he swings wildly on a steal situation and crosses the plate and the catcher double clutches or throws wildly. call it. If the batter is doing what he should be doing, you can't penalize him because the catcher isn't skilled enough to adjust his approach to the throw.

[nopachunts]

R3, outs don't matter. Had a left-handed F2 that would lean to his left and throw behind the right-handed batter to 3B. Almost got the runner a couple of times as the batter acted as a shield and R3 could see if F2 was throwing down or not.