Interference on a walked batter

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

Under Fed rules he is correct. Case study 8.2.5 Situation B. R1 is on third, and the batter receives a base on balls. The batter-runner runs to first completely in fair territory (outside of the three-foot running lane) the last half distance to first. The cather throws the ball to first and the throw strikes the batter-runner. Ruling: If the umpire judges that the batter-runner interfered with a legitimate play by the catcher, she should be called out. Comment: All bases must be run legally, even awarded bases.

Personally Im giving the batter the benifit of the doubt on a play like this and it better be pretty obvious that some kind of play was going on and not just some attempt to plunk the batter to get the call.

The key words in the NFHS Casebook Play RULING are: "legitmate play". I know what F2's intent was in throwing to F3, but I can not see this as a "legitimate play".

Just my humble two cents.

MTD, Sr.