Interference?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by robbie

But, she did - and Yes, interference.

It's been a while, but let me try to be the gentler voice.

When the interference definition, rule, or Rule Supplement state that there need not be contact, or that something "may be" considered verbal interference, that isn't meant to say that any verbal attempt or noise made by the offense is therefore automatically determined interference. In fact, this is intended to only cover the EXTREME cases, the exceptions, where it is obvious to the blind man two blocks away that the fielder was hindered or distracted.

The wording of the rule ("MAY BE") should make you understand that verbal isn't automatic, and is never "textbook" (as another poster stated). The wording ALLOWS you to judge it interference (in the extreme); it doesn't MAKE it interference (when in the norm).

Hope that assists you (and MrRabbit) in grasping what others are saying here, almost unanimously.