batter interference?

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OK, I have rules question. If a right handed batter is up with a runner on 2nd. The runner attempts to steal third. When the catcher comes up to throw, and the batter stays put in the box, the ump calls interference on the batter. I thought if the batter stayed put in the box there was no interference? Then again I don't know the rules, just what I've heard. Also if the batter keeps one foot in the box does the rule apply? And is it umpires discretion? Just curious, my dd travel team has been called twice on this by the same umpire.

 

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It is not an act of interference if the batter holds their position after the pitch - it is the catcher's responsibility to work around them. It would be an act of interference if the batter moved into the catcher's way, regardless of whether it is in the box or out. The only time a batter has to move out of the way is a play at the plate (e.g. runner coming in on WP, PB, etc.).

 

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I am certainly no expert on this, but if I understand what my DD has been taught at her catcher's clinic correctly - then the catcher has to work around the batter IF the batter stays completely in the box or even one foot in the box and one out. However, if the batter backs up (or forward) completely out of the box as the catcher is attempting to work behind (or in front) of them, it is interference - but only if she actually attempts to throw the ball. If the batter gets in her way and then my DD just stops and doesn't attempt to throw the ball, then it is not interference because she didn't actually throw the ball. Works the same way with an attempted pick-off at one and a lefty batter.

 

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OK. Thanks. That's what I thought. But when it comes to the rules as usual things are a bit blurry. ;&

 

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The batter just being in the box alone isn't the difference between it being interference or not. As already stated, if the batter maintains her "batting position" then she is good to go and the catcher does need to work around her to find a throwing lane.

The rules recognize that being in the box and in a position to receive the pitch is exactly where the batter is expected to be. It would be unrealistic to expect her to magically go "poof" and disappear to accommodate the catcher. So the rules do cut the batter some slack here.

However, even if the batter is still within the box she can still be called for interference. If she does something other than "hold her position" then she could be called for interference even if both of her feet are still inside the box. Examples would be if she takes a practice swing with the bat or moves into the catcher or her throwing lane. In short, the batter's box is not a sanctuary from an interference call. But standing still in one spot is.

Once the batter steps out of the box she loses any protection against an interference call. Even stepping out with one foot would be considered as being out of the box. Once the batter is out of the box, any impediment of the catcher or her throw would be ruled as interference.

Also already mentioned- but worth noting because it is an often confused rule- is that the requirement for the batter is different when there is a play at the plate. In that case, the batter is required to vacate any space needed by the defense to make the play. Standing still in the box offers no protection for the batter.

 

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Bottom line is it's blues discretion... The batter should know when the steal is on, and should hold her position in the box. Not moving around, or stepping out out. This should afford the runner protection, and eliminate most of the descretion error. I've seen it the other way as well, where the batter is almost knocking the catcher down, and still can't get a call. I've told my DD to know her lane and fire plain and simple. JMO

 

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Thank you Bretman. That clears it up.