possible interference

Question
QUESTION: Runner at third, 2 ball 1 strike count on batter.  Pitch is called a strike, and dropped by catcher.  Coach thinks it is strike three and yells to batter to run.  Batter runs, catcher picks up ball and throws errantly to first, thinking it is strike three. Runner at third then breaks for plate and scores.  Umpire rules that it is strike two, batter must come back but run scores because it was a live ball and catcher did not have to throw to first.

Is this interference because the batter illegally ran to first thereby deceiving the defense?

ANSWER: Hi William,

correct call by the umpire, no interference call, the batter is protected by the D3K rule (even though this is not a true D3K) so no interference.

We call this a DMC (dumb move, catcher) as it is incumbent upon the defense to know the situation, that it is not a strike 3 and they should not throw the ball to 1st.  Since the ball is live and the catcher threw it, it is was it is re: base running.  We simply bring the batter back and whatever else happened, happened.

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Mark,  But a counter question - what is to prevent a batter from running to first automatically after they strike out, even if they do not know whether the catcher dropped the 3rd strike or not?  Could that not be construed as attempting to deceive the defense?

William

Answer
Hi William,

Nope, there is nothing to prevent that.  In fact some coaches teach that.  Again the defense needs to know the situation (the batter is out) plus a good umpire is going to come up w/ a "batter's out", as the batter takes a few steps toward 1st,  BATTER'S OUT!!!!! if necessary.

Mark