Ump Interference?

quote:

Originally posted by standballdad:
Last nights game, we are at bat, runner on first. Runner steals on first pitch, catcher attempts to throw out runner on pitch that is a ball, catcher inadvertently hits umpire with throwing hand and ball dislodges. Umpire calls umpire interference runner back to first and no pitch. Is this the right call? Thanks

Almost. Call the pitch. The ball stands.

I have never seen umpire interference, have you gentlemen in Blue had this happen before?

yes, I sure have....both varieties.....the interference with the catchers throwing ability and also a batted ball striking an umpire....

Hopefully they are rare.....I have never been struck with a batted ball, but thats only because Ive been lucky......a couple of those rocket launcher shots have come mighty close....

quote:

Originally posted by Gold Glove:
I have never seen umpire interference, have you gentlemen in Blue had this happen before?

Nope. A good home plate umpire doesn't position himself close enough to allow it. The only exception is if the catcher has to reach for a dropped ball before throwing, but we should have a chance to move in those situations.

quote:

I have never been struck with a batted ball, but thats only because Ive been lucky......a couple of those rocket launcher shots have come mighty close....

I hear ya Stan. Last fall working the bases two-man I was working inside of an 18-20 game and a guy hit an absolute laser right at me. For whatever reason I was frozen lke a deer in the headlights before making what seemed like a bullfighter manuever to just have it miss me.....and man was I glad it did!

I have been hit inside exactly twice, my first year at the varsity level and last year in a men's league game. Last year I stepped out of the way and the ball bad hopped me. Both times I called it and enforced it correctly, no hesitation.

quote:

Originally posted by yawetag:

A good home plate umpire doesn't position himself close enough to allow it.

Well you have to be alert and ready to get out of the way, especially with a LH batter, but you should be right up on top of the catcher (unless you use the Gerry Davis stance).

So how would this be called. Wild pitch which my catcher goes and gets. As he is trying to get to the plate to tag out the runner from third, he is run over by the Ump who is moving to get a better look at the play at the plate.

quote:

Originally posted by mrtarheel:
So how would this be called. Wild pitch which my catcher goes and gets. As he is trying to get to the plate to tag out the runner from third, he is run over by the Ump who is moving to get a better look at the play at the plate.

That would be nothing......play on.....there are only 2 types of umpire interference.....interfereing with the catcher throwing and being struck by a batted ball....all other instances of contact are unfortunate but part of the game.....play on...

Although we umpires should be trained to read off of the catchers movements and attempt to clear the catcher.... there will still be times when the umpire will occupy a space that the catcher needs to get to or go through......the umpire can not disapear...