Another interference gig...

.....Leftie is in thebox, gets a handcuff ball on her hands and pops it up 8-10 ft. up the 1b line foul. Batter not knowing where the ball is, backs out of the box, ducking all the way. Ump calls her out for interfering with the catchers chance to make a play. ......true story, as the opposing coach, how would you make your arguement or appeal to blue?

 

Can't argue this one Marlin. Interference doesn't have to be intentional. What if a 1b turns toward the outfield on a ball hit to RF and moves toward the fielder and gets run in to by the batter/runner? That's still obstruction, even if her back was to the runner. Safest place for your batter is in the box.

 

Again Discretion Call !!!

These are tough calls, what the offensive player should have done maybe is stay in the box, but other than that she was trying to avoid a collision with the catcher...man these are TOUGH !!!

--- GURU

 

Does being in the box guarantee the batter that she can never be called for interference if its unintentional?

 

In the box.

We had a play this week that might help answer the question of being in the box. Runners on first and second, right handed batter at the plate. We put on a double steal and give the batter a fake bunt sign, my girls know that when we put a steal on for third base that they are supposed to back up as far as they can in the box and not move after the pitch is caught.

Both runners go and the catcher tries to throw out the girl going to third, when the catcher releases the ball it hits the bat on the shoulder of the batter still in the box.

Opposing coach argued that it was interference, but the batter was in the box and the umpire said it was not. Based on that and seeing catchers collide with batters in the box with no call made, I would say as long as the batter stays put there is no interference.