Umpire interference

[DOUBLE_L]

While attempting to throw out a runner the catchers throwing hand hits plate umpire, runner safe. Umpire calls "umpire interference" runner back to 1st and no pitch. Never have seen before, was this a correct call?

[Comp]

Partially correct. The umpire interfered with the throw to 2nd, not the pitch so have no idea why he would have declared it a no pitch.

The correct call is to indicate a delayed dead ball at the moment the umpire made contact with the catcher. If the runner is thrown out, the play stands. If the runner is safe, they are returned to the previous base.

[DOUBLE_L]

Thanks, not the answer I expected. So if the plate umpire got in the way of a catcher going after a past ball would that also be interference. I would consider this similar but have never heard it called.

[UmpSteve]

Thanks, not the answer I expected. So if the plate umpire got in the way of a catcher going after a past ball would that also be interference. I would consider this similar but have never heard it called.

Actually, no. Similar isn't the same.

There are exactly two times that umpire interference can happen; no other time is the umpire anything but part of the field.

1) If hit by an untouched batted ball before it passes an infielder (other than pitcher); or
2) If umpire interferes with a catcher's attempt to throw out a runner on a steal or pickoff.

Those two instances are not examples nor considered similar to anything else. They are the sole exceptions to the standard rule.

[DOUBLE_L]

Thanks

[GIMNEPIWO]

Thanks, not the answer I expected. So if the plate umpire got in the way of a catcher going after a past ball would that also be interference. I would consider this similar but have never heard it called.

Actually, no. Similar isn't the same.

There are exactly two times that umpire interference can happen; no other time is the umpire anything but part of the field.

1) If hit by an untouched batted ball before it passes an infielder (other than pitcher); or2) If umpire interferes with a catcher's attempt to throw out a runner on a steal or pickoff.

Those two instances are not examples nor considered similar to anything else. They are the sole exceptions to the standard rule.

I don't believe I've ever seen this happen ... And given the mechanics I was taught and if the defense is in a typically alignment, is it possible if the Blue is not out of position or taking a nap for it to happen ?

EDIT: I should have said 'likely', because anything is possible ... But it seems it would be more 'likely' with baseball mechanics for this to happen.

[Comp]

Based on the prescribed starting positions the umpires are suppose to be in by the manual, no it should not be able to happen. We are to be positioned behind the infielders at the time of the pitch, so to get hit by a batted ball before an infielder has a chance to field it the umpire would have to be totally out of position.

[UmpSteve]

Based on the prescribed starting positions the umpires are suppose to be in by the manual, no it should not be able to happen. We are to be positioned behind the infielders at the time of the pitch, so to get hit by a batted ball before an infielder has a chance to field it the umpire would have to be totally out of position.

And are you saying umpires are never out of position? In any event, if it should happen, there is a rule to cover it,

BTW, there is (or was) a USSSA mechanic for slowpitch, at least, putting the base umpire inside the infield up the middle. I don't know the details, have never learned or call U-trip, but have been told that is a mcehanic.

[GIMNEPIWO]

Based on the prescribed starting positions the umpires are suppose to be in by the manual, no it should not be able to happen. We are to be positioned behind the infielders at the time of the pitch, so to get hit by a batted ball before an infielder has a chance to field it the umpire would have to be totally out of position.

And are you saying umpires are never out of position? In any event, if it should happen, there is a rule to cover it,

BTW, there is (or was) a USSSA mechanic for slowpitch, at least, putting the base umpire inside the infield up the middle. I don't know the details, have never learned or call U-trip, but have been told that is a mcehanic.

I did see this :

With runners on 2nd & 3rd ... F5 playing up and F6 playing normal depth ... I know one Ump that I have seen positioned about 10 feet off the line and 5 feet behind the bag ... If hard hit ball was to get past F5 and hit the Blue when F6 still had an opportunity to field the ball and make an out ... ( Being lazy and not opening the book right now at work ) Do we have Umpire INT ?

[MTR]

I did see this :

With runners on 2nd & 3rd ... F5 playing up and F6 playing normal depth ... I know one Ump that I have seen positioned about 10 feet off the line and 5 feet behind the bag ... If hard hit ball was to get past F5 and hit the Blue when F6 still had an opportunity to field the ball and make an out ... ( Being lazy and not opening the book right now at work ) Do we have Umpire INT ?

I doubt it. As it comes to umpire positioning, as long as the umpire is behind a direct line between the two closest players, the umpire is considered "behind" the fielder even though it is possible to be in front of one of the two.