- Oct 18, 2021
- 1
- 1
Runner on second, pitcher pitches the ball and the runner attempts a steal. The pitch is a ball and the batter does not swing. The catcher catches the ball and throws the ball to 3rd. The batter remains in the box ready for the next pitch. When the catcher throws the ball, the ball deflects off the batters bat who remains in the batter’s box in the “loaded and ready for the next pitch position.” The runner is in their slide when the ball deflects off the bat. The batter did not do anything to interfere with the catcher, which the umpire confirmed. What is the proper call from the umpire?