Verbal Interference
Question
Can there be verbal interference either offensively or defensively? Ball hit to 2nd basemen Runner going from 1st to 2nd and runner going home. Runner going from 1st to 2nd yells "Throw it home, throw it home", to keep from getting forced out at 2nd. Is there such a thing as verbal interference?
I couldn't find it in the rule book, so thought I would go to the experts..thanks.6
Answer
Hi Larry,
Since both require an "act", Interference (by the offense) and IMO Obstruction (defense) can both be verbal. I have never called verbal obstruction and it's probably pretty rare.
Verbal interference is not that common but can occur, such as screaming like a banshee in the ear of a fielder trying to make a play. In your case I don't have anything other than a runner being mickey mouse. Your player should know what play they want to attempt and they are the judge of where they want to make a play. The runner's statement doesn't rise to the standard of interference IMO.
Mark
does a fielders foot count as part of a base?
Position Players/Line Up