Umpire Interference

[IamMatt]

Do you all think the reasoning behind this not being interference is that the umpire being able to position himself to see the play takes precedence over having to move in a way that makes sure he won't get in the way of the play?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by IamMatt

Do you all think the reasoning behind this not being interference is that the umpire being able to position himself to see the play takes precedence over having to move in a way that makes sure he won't get in the way of the play?

Yes and no.

Umpire mechanics are designed to put us in position to see what we need to see and stay out of the way of the players most of the time. We have all been there when, due to funky stuff happening, we find ourselves in the middle of a play.

My take is that the UI rule is there more to prevent players from just throwing the ball at the umpire or running into the umpire to get a dead ball and gain an advantage by sending a runner back to a base or avoiding an out.

The exception on using UI in the case of F2 throwing to attempt to retire a stealing runner is there because of the position the umpire has to be in at the start of that play (the pitch) and the close proximity to F2 needed to call the pitch. Due to the speed at which the pitch comes in and F2 throws, there may be very little time for the umpire to react and get out of the way. Even with that, I can't think of the last time I saw UI called in that situation.

Just my opinion....maybe Mike or WMB can add more on the history and philosophy of the UI rule.

[IamMatt]

Makes sense, especially since if F1 and F2 are doing their job, blue will be behind F2 and out of the way of any play on a runner from 3B. In the OP, the whole problem started because of the passed ball, which put F2 in a position (presumed to be somewhere behind the ump, between the ump and the backstop) and where the ump's location was between her and the play.

Can't expect blue to evaporate any more than batters.