Expert: Tom Mielke - 7/5/2009

Question
Catcher steps up and out to throw down on runner at 3rd base. the batter has backed out of the batters box. the thrown ball hits the batter on the head and sails out of play over the 3rd base dugout. The umpire awards the runner at third home plate on the fact the ball went out of play. Is this the right call or is it batter interference?

Answer
Jim,

The batter must keep one foot in the box between pitches except:

1.  batted ball, fair or foul
2.  on a swing, or attempted bunt
3.  When forced out by the pitch
4.  Wild pitch or passed ball
5.  when a play is attempted
6.  time has been called
7.  pitcher leaves the circle or catcher leaves the box
8.  on a three ball count and the batter thinks the pitch was ball four.

It is very possible you have interference by the batter based on your description.  On a quick throw to 3rd number 5 most likely doesn't apply as the batter has no time to react to the situation.  This is another of those judgement calls that you had to be there to call.  If the batter was attempting to get out of the way of an attempted play, likely no interference.