2015 Rule Changes, Part 2
QUESTION: In high school baseball, are backswing interference and follow through interference considered the same violations?
ANSWER: No, both are separately defined with specific differences. Backswing interference occurs by batter in box prior to pitch and involves contact with catcher’s mitt. Dead ball, no pitch, both are told to reset. ( Rule 1, Sec. 21, Art. 5). When the bat contacts the catcher after a swing / follow through and that action hinders a catcher’s attempt to play on a runner or action at the plate, interference is called. Based upon result of play or number of outs, an out will be declared. ( Rule 1, Sec. 21, Art. 4 and Rule 7, Sec. 3, Art. 4 & 7).
QUESTION: In high school softball, when an improper batter reaches base and defense appeals batting out of order, is improper batter called out?
ANSWER: The rule was clarified to explain if defense appealed before next pitch, “ proper “ batter is called out. If improper reached base, improper would be removed from base and any outs on play would stand. If appeal happened after next pitch, appeal would be denied; hence, lineup would continue following incorrect order and proper batter’s slot would be skipped without penalty. Improper batter is not called out for batting out of order. (Rule 7, Sec. 1, Art. 2, Pen. 2).