batter interference

Expert Analysis

Batter Inference NOT Called

Topics: Batter Interference

The Phillies and Diamondbacks played at Chase Field on September 19, 2025. In the top of the sixth, Nick Castellanos struck out looking on a 3-2 pitch from Jalen Beeks with Brandon Marsh on first base and one out. Marsh stole second on the pitch. After Castellanos struck out, he walked into the throwing lane…

Expert Analysis

Obstruction Call at Second Base Sparks Brewers’ Rally vs Cardinals

Topics: Obstruction

The Brewers hosted the Cardinals on June 14, 2025. In the bottom of the first, the Brewers had Sal Frelick on first and no outs. Jackson Chourio was facing Andre Pallante with a 2-2 count. Chourio struck out swinging and it appeared that catcher Pedro Pagés threw out Frelick who attempted to steal second. But…

Expert Analysis

Elly De La Cruz’s Stolen Base Thwarted by Batter Interference Call

Topics: Batter Interference

The Reds hosted the Mariners at Great American Park on April 16, 2025. In the bottom of the eighth, Austin Hays was batting with a 0-2 count facing Gabe Speier with Elly De La Cruz on first base. Hays struck out, and De La Cruz, who was stealing on the play was also called out…

Expert Analysis

Manager Takes Away a Run from His Team

Topics: Catcher Interference

The Reds and Padres played at Petco Park on April 30, 2024 when Padres manager Mike Shildt took away a run from his team, an unlikely scenario since managers do what they can to manufacture runs for their team. But thanks to the multi-layered catcher’s interference rule, in a certain situation managers have the option…

Expert Analysis

On Deck Batter Interference

Topics: Batter Interference

The video shows you the importance of the batter in the on-deck circle staying out the way of a play at the plate. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally Sports, YES, and NBC Sports Chicago.  

Expert Analysis

Batter Loses Bat and Makes Contact with Ball

Topics: Interference

This video shows you an example of a batter who loses his bat, but still makes contact with the ball. Which play is interference and which plays are a live ball in play? Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally…

Expert Analysis

Batter Interference and Backswing Interference

Topics: Batter Interference

This video helps you understand batters interference, backswing interference and when a batter does NOT have to relinquish his position when a catcher is making a live throw into the field of play. Rich Marazzi Rules consultant/analyst:  Angels, D’backs, Dodgers, Nationals, Orioles, Padres, Phillies, Pirates, Red Sox, Rangers, Royals, Tigers, Twins, White Sox, Yankees, Bally…

Expert Analysis

2022 Rules Questions: September Edition

Topics: Expert Analysis

Runner Obstructed During Rundown Question: See the above attachment before reading this play. In this situation, the runner going from second to third is obstructed during the rundown. I know this is a Type 1 obstruction because there was a play being directly made on the runner. The umpires awarded the obstructed runner third base…

Expert Analysis

Backswing Interference

Topics: Expert Analysis

Backswing interference is sometimes called “follow-through” interference. It is covered under rule 6.03 (a) (3) and (4) Comment.  The penalty is not as severe as your traditional or regular batter interference when the batter’s missed swing takes him into the throwing lane of the catcher. When that occurs, the batter is out unless the runner…

Expert Analysis

What Happens After a Ball Touches the Bat Twice?

Topics: Batter Interference, Expert Analysis

There are a lot of different scenarios where a ball can be touched by bat twice in different ways which can determine if a player is out, safe or there is interference called. MLB umpire Ted Barrett breaks down these scenarios with Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh in a simple and easy to follow video…