Baseball Instruction/catcher interference call

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Expert: John Priest - 4/13/2008


Question
The catcher on our team was called for interference on the batter in the following situation: player on third steals home, batter does not swing but stands in the batter's box, catcher moves up to catch the throw home and tag runner out (which he did). The umpire calls catcher interference since he kept the batter from being able to swing. The runner was called safe because of interference against the batter.

Answer
Gary,
Yes the umpire was right with the call he had made.  Just like the hitter has a batters box he must stay in so does the catcher.  The catcher must stay in this box until the baseball crosses the plate.  If the catcher comes out of this box inhibiting the hitter from hitting the baseball or if the hitters makes contact with the catcher during the swing the play will be ruled catchers interference.

Thank You,
John Priest
Nokona Batman
www.nokonawreckingcrew.com

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John Priest

Expertise

I can answer all questions regarding baseball fundementals from the little league to the professional level. I have the most knowledge in hitting mechanics and fundamentals and the development of power and batspeed. I can also answer all questions for catchers, pitchers, infielders, and outfielders. I also have experience coaching at the high school and AAU levels. Please no questions about rules and/or rule interpretation. English only please.

Experience

I have played through college, and semi pro baseball. For the past 10 years I have been coaching and providing instruction for all age and ability levels. Numerous clients of mine have gone on to play in college and some are playing in the minor leagues. I have provided coaching and instruction for high schools, training facilities, and the Nokona Baseball Factory.

Publications
http://jpbaseball.blogspot.com/

Education/Credentials
Graduated 2009 Associates degree in Science

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