Expert: Rick Bundy - 5/11/2009

Question
Little league,  Runner on second, third base coach gives batter the take pitch sign so runner can steal third. The pitch is a called strike with catcher catching ball cleanly. The right handed batter delibertley stands in the box so catcher cant make throw to third. Does batter have to attempt to get out of the way, or can he intentionally impede the throw. No call was made for interference and catcher couldn't get around batter to make throw to third. What if anything could or should have been called?

Answer
Tom:

In this situation the batter has the right to his space in the batter's box.  It is the catcher's responsibility to step behind the batter, for a clear throw to third base.

Interference could possibly be called on the batter if he attempted to back out of the box, which would put him in the catchers path.  That would be a judgement call on the part of the umpire.

Often times, in this situation, batters will set up at the back of the box, causing the catcher to move back, square around to bunt, pulling the bat back as the pitch gets to the plate, providing the catcher with more to deal with than just catching the ball, thus creating a somewhat more difficult catch and throw scenario.

The batter cannot intentionally impede the throw; but by rule does not have to move from his position.

Catchers are taught to drop their right foot behind, clearing themselves for the throw to third, then stepping and throwing.

Many coaches are hesitant to steal third base with a left handed hitter up, as the catcher has a clear view of the runner, as well as a straight shot to throw to third.

No call was the right call.

Yours in baseball,

Rick