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Must a catcher throw the ball in an attempt to retire a baserunner before batter interference is called?
by John D
John D asked:Must a catcher throw the ball in an attempt to retire a baserunner in order for a batter, who steps out of the batter's box and hinders/prevents the throw, to be called and penalized by the ump for batter's interference? From the picture above, it would play out in this manner. As the pitch is delivered, the runner on second breaks for third. As the ball reaches the plate, the catcher readies himself to step behind the batter, so he has a clear lane to throw in. The batter at this point has the right to the batter's box. As the catcher steps behind the batter and prepares to throw, the batter backs out of the box, into the catcher's throwing lane. Whether the catcher throws, or not, batter interference should be called. If the catcher made no physical attempt to get in position to make that throw, no interference call. If he attempted to throw through the batter who is standing in the box, he does so at his own risk. The batter has the right to be there. That said, the batter cannot stay there and attempt to physically create a problem for the catcher by making himself taller, leaning over or back of the plate or in some manner attempting to disrupt the catcher's throw, other than to stay in his stance, take or swing at the pitch. Yours in baseball, Rick
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