Catcher's Interference
Also known as: catcher's interference, catcher interference, catchers interference, catcher's mitt hit my bat, catcher touched the bat, batter's interference, batter interference
Catcher's interference is when the catcher, or any fielder, interferes with the batter during a pitch, usually by touching the bat with the mitt as the batter swings. Under MLB Rule 6.01(c), the batter is awarded first base. If a play follows, the offense's manager can choose to take the result of the play instead.
It most often happens when a catcher sets up too close and his mitt clips the bat. The umpire lets the play go on, because the result may be better for the offense. Then the manager chooses the penalty or the play.
On the award, a runner who was forced moves up one base. A runner who was not forced stays. If the batter reaches first and every runner moves up at least one base on the play, the play stands. If the catcher interferes before the pitch is delivered, it is not called. Time is called, and they start over.
Batter's interference is the reverse. Under MLB Rule 6.03(a)(3), a batter who hinders the catcher's play at home, such as by stepping into his throw, is out. Runners go back.
Tips by skill level
If you feel the mitt hit your bat, keep running out the play. The umpire will sort it out after.
Managers should decide fast. The choice must be made right at the end of the play.
Example
A catcher's mitt clips the bat on a swing, and the batter grounds out. The umpire calls catcher's interference. The batter is awarded first base, and the out is wiped away.
Why it matters
Catcher's interference turns an out into a base. Knowing the rule helps hitters, coaches and catchers react the right way.
Common mistakes
- Catchers setting up so close their mitt reaches the swing
- Thinking interference is called before the pitch is thrown
- Not knowing the manager can take the play instead
Frequently asked questions
What is catcher's interference?
It is when the catcher or another fielder interferes with the batter during a pitch, usually by touching the bat. The batter is awarded first base.
Do runners advance on catcher's interference?
Only runners who are forced. A runner on first moves to second, but a runner on third with first base open stays put, unless the manager takes the play.
Is catcher's interference an at-bat?
No. Under MLB Rule 9.02(a)(1), a batter awarded first base because of interference is not charged a time at bat.
What is batter's interference?
It is when the batter hinders the catcher's play at home plate, such as by stepping into a throw. The batter is out and runners return.
Sources
Related terms
- Batter's Box RuleA batter who hits the ball, fair or foul, with a foot on the ground entirely outside the batter's box is out. That is MLB Rule 6.03(a)(1) and NFHS Rule 7-3-2. The chalk lines belong to the box. A foot touching a line is legal. High school rules also call a batter out for making contact with a foot on home plate.
- Hit by Pitch RuleA batter touched by a pitch he is not swinging at gets first base, with exceptions. Under MLB Rule 5.05(b)(2), there is no base award if the ball was in the strike zone or the batter made no attempt to avoid it. NFHS high school rules award the base unless the batter lets the ball hit him. If the batter swings, it is a strike.
- Catcher's Setup TargetA catcher's setup target is the glove spot shown before the pitch. It gives the pitcher a clear, steady point to aim at and signals the intended location.
- Strike ZoneThe strike zone is the three-dimensional region over home plate where a pitch must pass to be called a strike. Under MLB rules it runs from just below the kneecap up to the midpoint between the batter's shoulders and the top of the uniform pants.
- Dropped Third StrikeOn a dropped third strike, the batter may run to first if the catcher does not catch strike three before it touches the ground. It applies only when first base is empty or there are two outs. To get the out, the catcher usually tags the batter or throws to first.
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