Interference?

[SamG]

This is posted on another message board with a discussion of whether this tactic is illegal, unethical, or "smart" playing. I want to get the opinion of umpires if this happened in your game.

One of the other posts reminded me of a play we used ALOT, to try and distract the catcher about to throw down to 1st

Runner on third. Batter lays down a bunt. Catcher goes after ball. Runner on 3rd has not moved off the bag. An instant before the catcher touches the ball, 3BR yells 'RUNNER" or "GOING" as he/she sprints for 2 steps and stops.

MOST of the time the catcher will at least hesitate making the throw to first, giving the batter/runner another second to make it there safely.

If the catcher turns toward third, you have to dive back but your batter/runner will be safe.

At BEST, the catcher hesitates, makes a hurried throw to first (or third) and 3br score, Batter / runner may or may not make it to 2nd.

Dont recall anyone talking about this. Does anyone else do this or were we the only ones?

The poster later "clarified" the runner is yelling at the 3rd base coach, not at the opposing team. Does that make a difference? Does the age make a difference?

Thoughts?

[SC Ump]

Originally Posted by SamG

The poster later "clarified" the runner is yelling at the 3rd base coach...

If the above play was my call, I have nothing.

However, to the item quoted here, the proper mechanic is to verbalize, "Liar! Liar! Pants on fire!"

[Stevetheump]

Originally Posted by SC Ump

If the above play was my call, I have nothing.

However, to the item quoted here, the proper mechanic is to verbalize, "Liar! Liar! Pants on fire!"

LOL. I'll keep that one in mind.

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by samg

this is posted on another message board with a discussion of whether this tactic is illegal, unethical, or "smart" playing. I want to get the opinion of umpires if this happened in your game.



The poster later "clarified" the runner is yelling at the 3rd base coach, not at the opposing team. Does that make a difference? Does the age make a difference?

Thoughts?

dmc.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by SamG

This is posted on another message board with a discussion of whether this tactic is illegal, unethical, or "smart" playing. I want to get the opinion of umpires if this happened in your game.



The poster later "clarified" the runner is yelling at the 3rd base coach, not at the opposing team. Does that make a difference? Does the age make a difference?

Thoughts?

OK, any distraction or a fielder not thinking is INT.

[SamG]

Originally Posted by CecilOne

OK, any distraction or a fielder not thinking is INT.

No, I was just reading in the other discussion, not participating and some were arguing it could be called interference. While I don't think it qualifies as that, I think it is "bush" league... especially in the younger age group. My .02

[Tex]

Nothing other then DMC.

[SamG]

dmc?

[Skahtboi]

Originally Posted by SamG

dmc?

"Dumb move, catcher"

[Andy]

Originally Posted by SamG

No, I was just reading in the other discussion, not participating and some were arguing it could be called interference. While I don't think it qualifies as that, I think it is "bush" league... especially in the younger age group. My .02

My thought exactly as I read the OP....bush league, but not illegal.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by SamG

No, I was just reading in the other discussion, not participating and some were arguing it could be called interference. While I don't think it qualifies as that, I think it is "bush" league... especially in the younger age group. My .02

My thought exactly as I read the OP....bush league, but not illegal.

[CecilOne]

Some people give 2 cents, others give 2 posts.

[Az.Ump]

Andy has big fingers.

Paul

[Stevetheump]

Originally Posted by SamG

This is posted on another message board with a discussion of whether this tactic is illegal, unethical, or "smart" playing. I want to get the opinion of umpires if this happened in your game.



The poster later "clarified" the runner is yelling at the 3rd base coach, not at the opposing team. Does that make a difference? Does the age make a difference?

Thoughts?

First of all, why would the RUNNER be yelling that at the 3rd base coach? It makes no sense.
Second, interference is "ANY ACT by an offensive player....." It does NOT have to be just "physical" contact.
Third, if I judged his yelling as the runner's attempt to "impede, hinder or confuse" the defensive player, I'm going to call it. No doubt the manager will pitch a fit, but, I doubt that team would repeat that tactic.