When we play this gets debated a lot. What is the call on verbal interference?
Thanks,
Kevin
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
The penalty for verbal interference is the same as for physical interference. The ball is dead, the interferer is out and another out can be called if the interference prevented a possible double play.
What's an example of verbal interference? I have never heard of that one.
An example would be on a sacrifice bunt, where the dugout of the team at bat starts yelling where to throw the ball. I saw this happen last week at a juco game. The coach of the team on the field came out to complain and I heard the umpire apologize and tell him that he wasn't aware of a rule against verbal interference.
Another example might be a pop up near the opposing team dugout. Pitcher, catcher and 3rd baseman are converging and some one from the dugout yells "Ball, Ball...." That would be verbal interference.
"Ball, ball, ball"
That's why we no longer use that phrase for calling pop flies
Can't verbal interference like that get you tossed from the game? I don't remember where I've heard that, but I have somewhere.
That's why we no longer use that phrase for calling pop flies
Can't verbal interference like that get you tossed from the game? I don't remember where I've heard that, but I have somewhere.
The phrase you use is not the point, the fact that someone from the opposing team was verbally interfering with the play, by causing confusion, and a "potential" safety issue.
Why would you toss someone from the game for verbal interference?
Why would you toss someone from the game for verbal interference?
Verbal Interference can indeed get one tossed from the game: EG. watch out for that
#%@!^&**! blankity blank wheel barrow.
#%@!^&**! blankity blank wheel barrow.
From the NFHS Case Book:
8.3.2 SITUATION J: F1 feints a throw to first base. Someone in the defensive team's dugout throws a ball against the fence alongside first base, making R1 think an overthrow took place. RULING: The umpire shall call obstruction and award R1 second base. He shall also eject the offender from the game and issue a warning to the coach.
Rule References:
2-22-1 Definition of Obstruction
8-3-2 Baserunning awards
3-3-1g(4) Bench and Field Conduct (spirit of fair play)
8.3.2 SITUATION J: F1 feints a throw to first base. Someone in the defensive team's dugout throws a ball against the fence alongside first base, making R1 think an overthrow took place. RULING: The umpire shall call obstruction and award R1 second base. He shall also eject the offender from the game and issue a warning to the coach.
Rule References:
2-22-1 Definition of Obstruction
8-3-2 Baserunning awards
3-3-1g(4) Bench and Field Conduct (spirit of fair play)
Question for you umps
Today there is a play down the 3b line,a pop up right at there dugout to me.I had run on it and 2 or 3 of there guys call ball.Yes I still caught it but I heard that call all the way.Is there some sort of thing my coach or I could say for that?
Today there is a play down the 3b line,a pop up right at there dugout to me.I had run on it and 2 or 3 of there guys call ball.Yes I still caught it but I heard that call all the way.Is there some sort of thing my coach or I could say for that?