Batter interference??
- Thread starter cnardone
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- May 29, 2015
- 4,057
- 113
Depends. What was the batter doing or not doing? If it was interference, correct call.
- May 29, 2015
- 4,057
- 113
The batter doesn’t have to wave the bat around like crazy. “… any other movement … “
This is you have to see it to really say. The batter does not have immunity in the box. She has to remain stationary if she wants to be protected. If she moves herself or her bat during the play in question then yes she can be called for interference.
- Mar 1, 2013
- 428
- 63
As noted - have to see it. “Actively hindering” is different from just being there.
With less than 2 outs, runner closest to home is out, other runners return to bases at time of pitch, batter remains with same count.
With two outs, batter out inning over.
If no interference is called the ball is live?
USSSA Rule 7 Sec 12...
A batter shall not interfere with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, by stepping out of the batter’s box, by making any other movement which hinders action at home or the catcher’s attempt to play on a runner, or by failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate congested area when
there is a throw to home and there is time for the batter to move away.
PENALTY: Dead ball; the batter is out.
USSSA FP Rules Interpretations on Batter Interference...
Intentionally interferes with the catcher’s throw on an attempted steal
EFFECT: Dead ball; Batter is out; all runners must return to last base touched.
EXCEPTION: If the batter is already out, the runner is also out.
Those two don't quite line up, but it's clear that the batter has to be doing something active. If the pitch was a ball, and the bat is still on the shoulder and not moving, by the letter of the rule, a throw hitting the bat isn't interference. However, in this situation, the umpired judged that whatever (had to be there) happened was interference. Batter out and runners return is the right decision. BTW...there's a "Dead Ball Table" on Page 58 of the 2024 USSSA Rules. Covers every conceivable situation.
A batter shall not interfere with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, by stepping out of the batter’s box, by making any other movement which hinders action at home or the catcher’s attempt to play on a runner, or by failing to make a reasonable effort to vacate congested area when
there is a throw to home and there is time for the batter to move away.
PENALTY: Dead ball; the batter is out.
USSSA FP Rules Interpretations on Batter Interference...
Intentionally interferes with the catcher’s throw on an attempted steal
EFFECT: Dead ball; Batter is out; all runners must return to last base touched.
EXCEPTION: If the batter is already out, the runner is also out.
Those two don't quite line up, but it's clear that the batter has to be doing something active. If the pitch was a ball, and the bat is still on the shoulder and not moving, by the letter of the rule, a throw hitting the bat isn't interference. However, in this situation, the umpired judged that whatever (had to be there) happened was interference. Batter out and runners return is the right decision. BTW...there's a "Dead Ball Table" on Page 58 of the 2024 USSSA Rules. Covers every conceivable situation.
