What’s the call?

Unfortunately I’d go with clean play. Looks like he’s safe either way though

So is the below (from UmpireBible blog) incorrect, then?

(2) The batter interferes with a play at the plate

A batter can interfere with a play at home plate when a runner from third attempts to steal home. This typically starts with a passed ball or wild pitch, but can also be a suicide squeeze. In any event, here again the batter is in the middle of action that he dare not become a part of.

But this situation is different from the first scenario. Whereas with a play on the bases the batter is advised to hold his ground and remain still in the batter’s box, with a play at the plate the batter is obligated to avoid any position that impedes the opportunity to make a play on the runner who is stealing home.

Let’s visualize the situation. There is a runner on third (R3) and a wild pitch goes to the backstop. The catcher bolts for the ball and the pitcher sprints to cover home. So you have two players, R3 and the pitcher, sprinting for home plate, and you have the catcher throwing the ball to the pitcher to attempt the put-out at home. That’s a lot of people and a lot of action converging on a 17-inch piece of real estate. The batter had better get his ass out of the way (and he better know where the ball is, too, so he doesn’t get between the ball and the play).

So the batter must vacate the area to allow the defense an opportunity to make the play. If he doesn’t, and if his failure disrupts the opportunity to play on the runner (the throw from the catcher hits the batter, for example), you have interference.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNuZyX7OxLI

Looks like interference to me?  Video above shows very similar play, except that batter swung at the pitch. 

Mominthestands posted:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNuZyX7OxLI

Looks like interference to me?  Video above shows very similar play, except that batter swung at the pitch. 

 

 

Wow, perfect find. Nearly the same play. Thanks for finding  

Game was not lost, but wanted to be sure that this WAS a rule. 

Glad I could help :-)  What was the official call in your game?

Mominthestands posted:

Glad I could help :-)  What was the official call in your game?

Safe, no interference. Third blown call of the day by that pair of umps. Was quite frustrating.  

We have bad luck at that field with umps. Last year, 1 out, visiting team, top of 7, team is down by 1. Runner at 3rd, our team runs a suicide squeeze attempt. Batter missed the hit, then held ground in the box. Ump ruled both runner and batter out., ending the game. 🤷‍♂️

Batter clearly interfered.  We had a kid called for interference on a similar play last year in a HS game.  

Most conversations start something like this, "he was trying to get out the way, he didn't do it on purpose, etc.." and then end with a ump saying, "I have an out on interference"

Trust me I've tried to no avail 

Follow up: Ump apparently texted coach later that weekend and said that he made the wrong call (of no interference), and apologized. 👍