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Tweedle
6 Posts |
 Posted - 03/03/2014 : 11:26:41
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| Just want to get some opinions. If a base runner is stealing third and the batter holds his spot in the box, would it ever be acceptable for a coach to tell a catcher to throw the ball at the batter? We aren't talking high school level of play either. |
Edited by - Tweedle on 03/03/2014 11:27:07 |
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Spartan4
913 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2014 : 12:08:39
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| Don't really understand why you would?? The catcher is already set up behind the batter right? Now if the batter move into the way and gets hit that's his own fault but I can't understand what a catcher would have to gain hitting the batter of than making 100% sure the base runner ends up with a steal. |
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brdymakr
53 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2014 : 13:07:12
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| I believe that the batter has the right to the batters box and that the catcher has to move around him to make the throw to third. If the batter steps back, thus leaving the batters box, then the batter is guilty of "interference" with the play and the runner will be called out. However, there is NEVER a situation where a Coach should tell a player to throw a ball at another player...period. That is not part of the game in any circumstance...Not from the mound intentionally hitting a batter in retaliation for a HBP in a previous inning or a Home Run, Not in your example, Not when turning a double play...Never. Just my opinion on that score so just take it for what it's worth. |
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WestCoastGuru
148 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2014 : 13:55:22
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Sounds like a coach fishing for a batter's interference, which if the batter maintained his ground in the batter's box...there is no interference. Only time you will get that call, is if the batter steps out of the box and the catcher makes contact with the batter in the process of throwing to 3rd base.
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Edited by - WestCoastGuru on 03/03/2014 14:08:55 |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2014 : 15:45:44
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| I think the batter has to make a move to get out of the way even if he is in the batters box. Coach is definitely fishing for an interference call. Coach should teach the catcher how to step around the back of the batter to make the throw to 3rd. It's a standard catcher's mechanic. |
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rustybucket
67 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2014 : 19:30:00
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Batter stands his ground, in the box, on a throw to 3rd. Only interference call possible is if the batter moves in any way, steps out of the box, and gets in the catchers way.
If the batter steps out of the box, and the catcher doesn't attempt the throw and/or make contact with the batter the interference call is usually not called.
I instruct my youth catchers, when a batter steps out into their way, to not throw, just shuffle and feint a throw and make minor contact with the batter. This will usually result in an interference call without anybody having to take a fastball in the ear. Not fishing for a call here, just trying to get the call as it should be applied. |
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ATLDodgers
21 Posts |
Posted - 03/03/2014 : 19:38:27
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| The batter owns the batters box and does not have to move. If he were to move fwd or backwards and therefore interfere with the throw, interference would be called and the runner would be out. Ive always taught mine not to move, let the catcher go behind you or in front of you, but turn your head towards third so you don't get hit in the face by the catchers throw. |
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Coach Art
59 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 09:41:28
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Honestly mom, as harsh as it may have sounded to you it was a bluff plain and simple. I'm sure it won't be the last time you hear it either. Now if it actually happens then that's a different story. In my 30+ yrs of playing and coaching I have never witnessed or heard of that intentionally happening in that scenario.
Hopefully your son doesn't play football because you will be subjected to hear far worst than that any given Sunday, just ask the QB parents. |
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bballman
1432 Posts |
Posted - 03/04/2014 : 13:07:04
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You guys are right. Here is the MLB rule on batter interference on a catcher throw:
6.06
A batter is out for illegal action when --
(c) He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out, or if runner trying to score is called out for batter’s interference.
Rule 6.06(c) Comment: If the batter interferes with the catcher, the plate umpire shall call #147;interference.#148; The batter is out and the ball dead. No player may advance on such interference (offensive interference) and all runners must return to the last base that was, in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference.
If, however, the catcher makes a play and the runner attempting to advance is put out, it is to be assumed there was no actual interference and that runner is out, not the batter. Any other runners on the base at the time may advance as the ruling is that there is no actual interference if a runner is retired. In that case play proceeds just as if no violation had been called.
I would imagine the rules of the other organizations don't vary much from this wording.
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Edited by - bballman on 03/04/2014 13:30:54 |
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prestont
197 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2014 : 06:13:14
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Anyone see the UGA-GaTech game last night?
Slightly different situation - but ironic with this post that GA-GaTech game basically ended on a contested interference call in the 9th inning.
2 outs, runner steals 2nd base, catcher's arm hits batters helmet, and runner advances to 3rd. Single up middle, game over.
I have no 'dawg' (or jacket) in this fight, but tough way to end a game. |
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Tribe
82 Posts |
Posted - 03/05/2014 : 13:08:16
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| Saw that play. No question that the better stepped out of the box and interfered with the catcher. Agreed, unfortunate way to end a good game. |
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Sportsmanship?
