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Baseball Instruction/interference
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Question
In my sons' Little League game with the bases loaded the opposing manager yelled ball 4 on the 3rd ball. Upon hearing this everyone on the defense and the umpire believed it was ball 4. The batter walked to 1st and the runner on 3rd walked across home plate. The pitcher threw the ball home in order get the runner out at home but it was to late. The umpire checked the count and had the batter return but the run scored. I believe this was a designed play. Does this fall under interference " an act that confuses any fielder attempting to make a play"?
Axel,
It would be the judgement of the umpire if there was interference. I would of had my players tag the runner. I have had instances where a player or coach is confused on the count and try to advance to 1st base with only three balls. I would have to have been there to determine the coaches intention with the play to consider if it was interference and not just confusion. It could have been considered interference, but it would of had to have been blatant for me to call it.
I hope this has helped.
-Martin Hoover
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Answers by Expert:
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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