Baseball Instruction/Catcher obstruction - scoring

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Expert: - 7/9/2008


Question
My son plays Little League.  During an at-bat, he was obstructed by the catcher, hitting the catcher's glove prior to hitting the ball in play.  The umpire called the play dead, ruled obstruction, and awarded the batter first base.  How is this scored for the batter?  Does it count as an at-bat?  Is it an error with an out, or is it ruled a single?  Thank you.

Answer
Randy,

For Little League purposes, this would count as an at bat.  However, it is not considered a dead ball.  It is a delayed dead ball, with the offensive manager deciding to take the result of the play, or the catchers interference.  It is not a hit, yet not an error.

In professional baseball, it would not be considered an at bat.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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