(a) Batter or Runner Interference. It is interference by a batter or a runner when: (1) After a third strike that is not caught by the catcher, the batter-runner clearly hinders the catcher in his attempt to field the ball.
How is runner interference scored?
Runner Interference–How to score the at bat
Batter hits a ball to the right of the first baseman. Ball gets through and two runs score. Plate umpire calls interference on runner going from first to second. Runners on second and third return to those bases and the batter is awarded first base.
What is the rule on runner interference in softball?
Batter Runner Interference occurs when the batter runner: ❖ Runs to First outside the three foot lane and interferes with a thrown ball EFFECT: Dead ball; Batter/runner is out; all runners must return to last base touched.
Is runner’s interference a hit?
Here’s the short version. A base runner hit by a thrown ball is guilty of interference only if the runner intentionally touches the ball, or otherwise alters or deflects the course of the thrown ball. This doesn’t happen very often, but be alert for it.
What is the difference between obstruction and interference?
One key distinction between interference and obstruction: Interference is defined as a violation of either the offense or the defense; obstruction can only be committed by the defense.
Can a runner interfere while on base?
Per MLB rules: “If [a] runner has contact with a legally occupied base when he hinders [a fielder who is attempting to make a play on a batted ball], he shall not be called out unless, in the umpire’s judgment, such hindrance, whether it occurs on fair or foul territory, is intentional.
Can a catcher obstruct home plate?
If a catcher blocks the plate without possession of the ball, the runner will be safe. However, a catcher may block the plate to field a throw if the umpire determines he could not have otherwise fielded it and thus contact with the runner could not have been avoided.
What is fielders interference?
Interference can also be called on the offensive team if a batter hinders the catcher after a third strike when the ball is not caught, a batter intentionally deflects any foul ball, and a baserunner hinders a following play being made on another runner after having scored or been put out.
Is obstruction a dead ball?
Type 1 obstruction is a dead-ball infraction. This means, the moment you see it, call it: “Time! … The penalty for Type 1 obstruction is awarding the obstructed runner one base beyond the base last legally touched. In the case of runners who are advancing, this means you award the base to which they were advancing.
Can a batter interfere with a catcher?
Per rule 6.03 (a) (3) reads, “A batter is out for illegal action when he interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher at home plate.” The Pro rule parallels the NCAA rule.
Do runners advance on runner interference?
This same principle applies if there is a run-down between second and third base and succeeding runner has reached second (the reasoning is that no runner shall advance on an interference play and a runner is considered to occupy a base until he legally has reached the next succeeding base).
What happens if a fan catches a home run?
In every case of spectator interference with a batted or thrown ball, the ball shall be declared dead and the baserunners can be placed where the umpire determines they would have been without the interference.
Is it a dead ball if it hits a runner?
In other words, after a ball has been touched (deflected) by any infielder (including the pitcher), if the ball then strikes a runner (unintentionally on the part of the runner), the ball is alive and in play even if another infielder may be in position to field the ball.
What is runner obstruction?
In baseball, obstruction is when a fielder illegally hinders a baserunner running within the basepath. Baserunners are generally permitted to run from base to base without being physically blocked or hindered by a fielder.
What happens if batter hits catcher with bat?
The follow through is the batter’s responsibility without exception, so unless the catcher jumps up and moves into the swing, if the bat hits the catcher on the follow through, it’s the batter’s fault. If no play is in progress when the contact occurs, there cannot be interference.
Can an umpire call a runner out for missing a base?
Ruling: The umpire should call the runner out. Under the circumstances given a verbal appeal of this action is not required. It is obvious why the ball is being thrown to a base to which a runner is returning.