Was watching the MN vs. GA game and saw a ruling that had me puzzled. GA hitter (Hugo) at plate, runner on 1st, batter swings through pitch and hits catchers mitt with back swing. No steal or throwing attempt was made. Batter was awarded first base due to catchers interference according to announcers. Did the umpire just get this way wrong, or is there some specific rule that was applied? I thought MN coach would go ballistic, but she was calm about umps explanation which made me think there is some rule I am unaware of. I thought if the batter hits the catcher on back swing (weak interference) and no play is attempted ball was dead, and all runners must return if steal was made. If someone can educate me on this I would appreciate it.
Catcher hit by back swing...batter awarded 1B?
- Thread starter Tom
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Asa 8.1.d.
Batter gets first, runner forced to 2nd.
(Defense obstrcts, offense interferes)
Batter gets first, runner forced to 2nd.
(Defense obstrcts, offense interferes)
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"When the catcher obstructs a batter's attempt to hit a pitched ball". The scenario in the OP was after the pitch had already been swung on and missed. Bat hit the catcher's mitt on the backswing.
I guess I do not know what a backswing is ... I assumed it was either before or during the pitch.
I guess "follow-through" would be a better term to use. OP indicated it was after swinging and missing.
I think it is still obstruction, I think the batter has the right to complete their swing whatever that means. Including their follow thru.
I am not familiar with all the NCAA rules, but, in all other rule sets the batter is responsible for controlling their swing and if they hit the catcher on the follow through it can be interference. It is not obstruction because the batter already swung at and missed the pitch.
- Jun 22, 2008
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Rubbish. What does that have to do with attempting to hit the pitch?
So, to be clear, the call was wrong in the Georgia game? Hugo should not have been awarded first?
Also surprised that the batter can be penalized for a normal follow through if it interferes with the catcher's ability to make a defensive play. ... Isn't it the catcher's responsibility to position herself where she won't get hit on the batter's typical swing?
Also surprised that the batter can be penalized for a normal follow through if it interferes with the catcher's ability to make a defensive play. ... Isn't it the catcher's responsibility to position herself where she won't get hit on the batter's typical swing?
