Rules 6.03(a)(3), 6.01(a)(1):
If the batter interferes with the catcher’s throw to retire a runner by stepping out of the batter’s box, the plate umpire shall call “Interference.” The batter is out and the ball is dead (provided the catcher’s initial throw does not retire the runner; see following paragraph). No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference), and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of interference. Exception: The batter is not out if the catcher’s initial throw retires the runner, or if the runner trying to score is called out for batter’s interference.
If this infraction should occur in a situation where the catcher’s initial throw directly retires the runner despite the infraction, the play stands the same as if no violation had occurred, as it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that the runner is out—not the batter. In this case, any other runners on base at the time may advance, as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if the runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
If the batter interferes with the catcher’s throw after the batter is out on strike three, the umpire shall call “Time,” and the runner is declared out for the batter’s interference. All other runners are returned to the base they previously occupied. (See also Play (2) in Interpretation #76 and Play (14) in Interpretation #58.)
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FAQs
Rules 6.03(a)(3), 6.01(a)(1):
What happens if the batter interferes with the catcher? ›
When catcher interference occurs, the umpire will allow the play to progress because the outcome of the play may be more desirable than the interference. In that case, the offensive manager can elect to accept the outcome of the play over the interference.
What is the difference between catchers interference and obstruction? ›
If the catcher is fielding the ball and any fielder, including the pitcher, obstructs a runner going to first base, “obstruction” shall be called and the base runner awarded first base.
Can catchers interference be challenged? ›
If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.
What happens when a runner interferes with a fielder? ›
The rule provides that a runner must vacate any space needed by a fielder to make a play on a batted ball, unless the runner has contact with a legally occupied base when the interference occurs. In this case, the runner should not be called out unless the hindrance is intentional.
What is the batter interference rule? ›
The batter is out if she interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing. by leaning over home plate, by stepping out of the batter's box, by. making any movement which hinders action at home after the pitch. reaches the catcher or the catcher's attempt to play on a runner, or by.
Does the catcher have to make contact with the batter for interference? ›
Absent interference by the batter, the catcher must find a way to throw around the batter. If the batter does nothing, there is no interference. If the catcher's throw hits the batter, then just play on.
What is an example of catcher interference? ›
If a runner on third base (R3) is trying to score by means of a squeeze play or steal, and the catcher or any other fielder steps in front of home base without possession of the ball, or touches the batter or the bat, the catcher is cited for the defensive interference, and the pitcher is charged with a balk (" ...
What is catcher obstruction? ›
For example, a catcher can be called for obstruction if the catcher's glove makes contact with the hitter's bat or when a defensive player doesn't have possession of the ball and blocks a base or base path. If the defensive player has the ball, she is allowed to block the base or base path to apply the tag for an out.
What is the obstruction rule in baseball? ›
Obstruction describes an act by a fielder, who is not in possession of the ball or in the process of fielding it, that impedes the baserunner's progress.
If obstruction is enforced, all other runners on the play will return to base occupied at time of the pitch. The batter is awarded first base, if he did not reach base. If obstruction is not enforced, all other runners advance at their own risk.
How often is catcher interference called? ›
The number was 35 through June 29 in 2021 and 30 in 2019, according to Sportradar. The 2020 season started on July 23 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 1974, the highest single-season total for catcher interference calls is 74 last year, followed by 62 in 2021.
Is catcher's interference an official at bat? ›
Definition. An official at-bat comes when a batter reaches base via a fielder's choice, hit or an error (not including catcher's interference) or when a batter is put out on a non-sacrifice.
Can a runner collide with the catcher? ›
Definition. The baserunner is not allowed to deviate from his direct path to initiate contact with the catcher (or any player covering the plate). Runners are considered to be in violation of this rule if they collide with the catcher in cases where a slide could have been used to avoid the collision.
Is the runner or batter out on interference? ›
If any member of the batting team (including the coaches) interferes with a fielder's right of way to field a thrown ball, the runner on whom the play is being made shall be ruled out.
What is the penalty for batter interference? ›
At the end of the play the umpires will call time-out and give the defensive coach an option to take the result of the play or the penalty for batter interference – the batter is out and all runners return to their bases occupied at the time of the pitch (same as the other codes).
What happens if the penalty for catchers obstruction on a batter is enforced? ›
If obstruction is enforced, all other runners on the play will return to base occupied at time of the pitch. The batter is awarded first base, if he did not reach base. If obstruction is not enforced, all other runners advance at their own risk.
What happens if the batter hits the catcher with his backswing? ›
When backswing interference takes place, the batter's bat makes contact with the catcher on his follow-through swing. The ball remains alive and if the catcher retires the runner, the runner is out. If the runner is not retired the runner returns to the base he occupied at the time of the pitch.
