Catcher’s interference

Written byNick Gilden Hours Last Updated on Categories Baseball

What is the Meaning of Catcher’s Interference in Baseball?

Catcher’s interference occurs whenever a catcher blocks a batter’s opportunity to swing at a pitch, usually by accident.

This can happen when a catcher’s glove tips a batter’s bat or when any part of his body prevents the batter from taking a normal swing.

In order for catcher’s interference to be enforced, the batter must be in a reasonable position, with both feet inside the batter’s box.

What Happens After Catcher’s Interference?

If a play follows the interference, the umpire will allow the play to continue. The offended team’s manager can choose to decline the interference and accept the result of the play, in which case the play stands without reference to the interference.

If the interference is accepted, the batter is awarded first base and any baserunner’s may advance a base.

The offending catcher is charged with an error however the batter is not considered to have reached on an error, and is not charged with a time at bat. Catcher’s interference is considered a delayed dead ball situation, much like a balk.

What is a Delayed Dead Ball in Baseball?

A delayed dead ball in baseball is a situation where the umpire will call play to be stopped, but not declare the ball dead. This could happen if, for example, a runner on third base attempts to steal home and the catcher throws to third base in time to get him out. The umpire will call the runner out, but will also delay making a dead ball call until all other runners have returned to their original bases.

This prevents them from advancing further due to the runner being called out. In addition, it allows the umpire time to make sure that any interference or obstruction calls can be properly enforced. Delayed dead balls are an important part of baseball, as they help keep the game fair and equitable.

What is Catcher’s Obstruction?

Catcher’s obstruction is a rule in baseball that prevents the catcher from blocking the plate or home plate when a runner is attempting to score. This means the catcher must give the runner some space to be able to touch home plate without interference.

I'm Nick, a professional researcher & writer by day and a die-hard baseball fan by night. I have a deep love and knowledge of the game and love sharing it with others. I've been involved in baseball in one way or another for as long as I can remember - playing the game on an amateur level since I was a kid, writing about the game for my college newspaper, and now working with some of the biggest names in baseball media.