The rule clearly says they need to vacate or move out of the way. So get out of Dodge - most head to the fence or to the opposite side of the plate. The fence is a GREAT place to be.
- When I am umpiring my first thought is 'was the defense attempting any sort of legitimate play'.
- For example, if a batter gets hit by a stray throw that is not their fault.
- I had one where the catcher was just throwing the ball back to the pitcher and didn't wait for the batter to clear and the ball hit the batters helmet - that is not interference.
- I had one where the runner wasn't stealing, but the catcher tried to throw to second and whacked the batter - that is also not interference.
- Next - 'did the batter legitimately have a reasonable opportunity to get out of the way'. If the answer to that is 'yes', then they are going to probably get called for it. Batters are not magical - they can't just disappear.
- The other thing I am often looking for is 'Did the batter move into the path or stay in the path of the attempted play after they have clearly completed their swing'
- There is no needed intent component to the call - just not meaning to or a player just being unaware of what is going on is not part of the decision making process.
- Should note that if there IS intent, then it IS interference. And possible penalties beyond an out.
- The batters box is not magic. It is not a 'safe zone'
- Standing still is also not magically making you safe.
- The player can just blunder into the interference call. For example, I had a player just guess wrong on the direction to vacate the batters box... ran right into a throw... Yep, interference.
Last edited:
