ASA Batter delaying swing

[bigwally]

R1 attempts to steal second base. The batter delays her swing to , in my opinion, hinder the catcher from throwing the ball. There is no contact made nor does the catcher throw the ball. Is the batter out? Would rule 6S support an out? If not, which rule would? Is there a case play that covers this?

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by bigwally

R1 attempts to steal second base. The batter delays her swing to , in my opinion, hinder the catcher from throwing the ball. There is no contact made nor does the catcher throw the ball. Is the batter out? Would rule 6S support an out? If not, which rule would? Is there a case play that covers this?

Did the pitch reach the catcher before the swing?
Was there no attempt by the catcher to throw?

[bigwally]

The pitch was in the catchers glove, she stood up to throw and then the batter swung the bat while still standing in her original batting position in the box. The catcher cocked her arm but stopped, in my judgement, because she didnt want to get hit with the bat

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by bigwally

The pitch was in the catchers glove, she stood up to throw and then the batter swung the bat while still standing in her original batting position in the box. The catcher cocked her arm but stopped, in my judgement, because she didnt want to get hit with the bat

That description reads like interference, given the usual items like di she have a play, was the swing what stopped the throw, etc.

Original batting position allows a natural continuation of a swing at the pitch; not afterward.

[Insane Blue]

Originally Posted by bigwally

The pitch was in the catchers glove, she stood up to throw and then the batter swung the bat while still standing in her original batting position in the box. The catcher cocked her arm but stopped, in my judgement, because she didnt want to get hit with the bat

If the Catcher attempts to throws then we have Interference.

I have made this call a few times when the Offensive coach comes to argue my call I tell them that the batters late swing with no attempt to hit the ball is interference and the coach usually smiles and walks away.

[bigwally]

ok...so i'm clear. a throw actually has to made with the catcher having to release the ball in order for us to have interference on that play?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by bigwally

ok...so i'm clear. a throw actually has to made with the catcher having to release the ball in order for us to have interference on that play?

Short answer; yes, there must be a throw. There cannot be interference with a play when no play is attempted.