Passed ball, offensive interference
Question
Man on third, passed ball. Catcher chases the ball and the man on third tries to steal home. The pitcher rushes toward home plate to cover and the batter leaves the batters box, enters the feild of play and moves about 4 feet towards the pitchers mound directly in between home plate and pitchers mound impeding the pitchers ability to get to cover the plate.
Is batter out? What is the ruling?
Answer
Hey Matt,
I really need to see this play develop, but I'll give it a try.
The batter is supposed to move in foul territory and away from the play. If, in the judgement of the umpire, he interfered with the play, then he can be called for interference, but it's the umps call, not yours.. Sorry.
Dennis
Batter hit by fair ball?
runner interference