DK3 Interference?

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by ozzy6900

I disagree that this play is the same as the Frisk/Armbruster play because neither Frisk nor Armbruster hesitated in what they were doing. Each moved immediately in the direction that they were supposed to go and this is why the ruling was made as it was.

There was another play similar about a year or so later in which the batter hesitated, then proceeded and made contact with F2. That was ruled as interference on the batter. Wish I could remember the players and umpire (all MLB).

In this stich, the batter hesitated and even took a step toward his dugout (which is behind him). Therefore, because of this hesitation, I would rule the batter interfered.

It was a U3K Oz, not a batted ball. You need to give the batter (and catcher perhaps) the opportunity to realize it. That's where the hesitation comes in. Even on a batted ball that is near the plate the batter will often take a moment to locate it before running. A brief hesitation is normal, not abnormal so please don't try to use that as an excuse.

And don't forget who made the initial screw-up. Heck - if the batter accidentally kicks the ball in the vicinity of the plate it's not interference (Interp # 45 in the current MLBUM).

[bigda65]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

It was a U3K Oz,..........
And don't forget who made the initial screw-up. Heck - if the batter accidentally kicks the ball in the vicinity of the plate it's not interference (Interp # 45 in the current MLBUM).

This was my initial thought on this play, hence the reason for posting.

The catcher missed the ball and I felt he was beyond the step and reach criteria, so I was leaning a little toward obstruction for the first two scenarios.

I was undecided on the third, I would more than likely have to see this play.

thoughts??

[DG]

Cant find a video, but my memory of Armbrister-Fisk play is that Armbrister hesitated, then advanced into Fisk.

Either way, not sure it was interference, call could have gone either way. Had it gone interference there would be at least as many who disagree, as not.