You make the Call
 

Runner is on first base with no outs. The batter bunts the ball in fair territory right in front of the plate. The catcher jumps out and picks up the ball and prepares to throw to first base. However the umpire steps forward and is emphatically pointing to indicate it is a fair ball---and in the process inadvertently knocks the ball out of the catcher’s hand. The runners end up on first and second base safely.

Maybe it would be a better "what if" if the umpire runs up and tackles the catcher.. or kicks the ball out of the catchers hand like Jackie Chan.

No call by umpire. Umpire should brace himself for ensuing argument by defensive coach.

Why isn't that umpire interference and BR on first?

Umpire interference covers a legit thing.. not "idiot umpire" type situations. So if an umpire, say punches shortstop in the back of the head while the short stop is attempting to throw to 1B for the out, there is no rule to cover that and its not umpire interference.

The can't be right, ...I hope.
There should be a catch-all rule somewhere.

Well, there's always the god rule, but how can an idiot be god? :eek: :D

I have the advantage of knowing the rules far less than you all, so I went to my book (ASA) and it does not seem to be covered under any of the umpire interference scenarios. This sounds like one where no matter what you do, one side is not going to be happy.

Tom,
If you were BU and your partner did that [pointed the ball fair and screw the catcher], would you put batter/runner on 1B?
I think I would have to.
Thanks.
mick

Who said interference and who are you going to call out?;)

DMU, live ball and pray the pitcher strikes out the next three batters.

Back many years ago, when I was much more stupid, I was the BU in a 14U game, with runners on first and second. I was in 'C'. Ground ball to short. When the shortstop committed to throwing to first (OK, maybe a little sooner than that), I move hard toward first, trying to get closer to the play. Naturally, as I am moving toward first, the runner from 2B is moving as well. BIG COLLISION! Well, not so big, since she was only 14. She's on the ground. Shortstop, who hadn't thrown the ball yet, sees the runner on the ground, and tags her out. Coach wants me to put her on third. Sorry, coach. I'm an idiot and she's still out.

Sometimes you learn a lesson the hard way.

and does not seek revenge with a code 99:eek:

Since this is the PU, he'd be praying to himself! Talk about the god rule! ;)