A batted ball is dead if it strikes an umpire before passing an infielder (award first base to the batter and one base each to any runners that are forced). When the plate umpire interferes with the catcher's attempt to prevent a stolen base, this is referred to as umpire interference. If an umpire calls a player out at home plate when there was no baserunner on base, this is called an erroneous call. Such calls are usually corrected by further review by the league office or by a hearing.
An error in judgment by an umpire can result in injury to a player. For example, an errant throw by an infielder may cause a runner to be hit by a pitch. Or, an errant decision by an ump may force the batter out at home plate when he should have been allowed to stay in the game. These errors can come from many sources: bad eyesight, mental confusion, etc. Although unlikely, an umpire could suffer a brain injury when making a call at home plate; such injuries can lead to permanent disability.
The most serious injury caused by baseballs is ocular trauma. In fact, baseball has become one of the most common causes of eye injuries outside of boxing. Balls come off bats at high speeds and can cause severe damage to people who look at them. Batteries in some cameras contain glass fibers which break down over time into smaller pieces that are capable of breaking bones if they strike someone.
Umpire interference occurs when an umpire on the bases gets touched by a hit ball before the ball contacts or passes an infielder (excluding the pitcher—just disregard the pitcher for now). In general, we're referring to the umpire being hit while in the infield. If this happens, then every player other than the one who hit into right field must return to their position before the next ball is pitched.
The umpire can call for as many as four balls in an effort to get the batter to leave the plate. This can happen if there are people on base and the manager wants the batter to take more pitches. However, only three balls are allowed per batter in official baseball games. The fourth ball will be taken for an illegal pitch.
In addition to returning to their position, any runners who are not forced off of first base or third base may not advance beyond those markers. Any runner who does not retreat back to his or her original position before the next ball is pitched is out.
Examples: An umpire calls for four balls during a play at first base. The catcher touches the 1st baseman on his way back to the bag. Both players must return to their positions before the next ball is delivered by the pitcher.
Another example: With two outs and a runner on second base, the batter hits a ground-ball up the middle.
If a hit ball strikes the batter after he leaves the batter's box, the ball is dead and interference is called. The hitter is out, and the runners are restored to the base they were lawfully on at the time of the interference. If the batter remains in the batter's box, the umpire can call "Time" and award the baserunner first base by default.
If a member of the batting team (including coaches) interferes with a fielder's right of way to field a thrown ball, the runner on whom the play is being made is out. The ball will be considered dead in both circumstances, and all runners must return to their last lawfully occupied base at the moment of the interference.
When a base runner passes behind an infielder while the fielder is making a play on the ball, the infielder subsequently misplays the ball. The misplayed ball travels between the infielder's legs or by him on either side before colliding with the runner. There is no interference here.
Interference with a fielder attempting to field a hit ball results in an out, whether deliberate or unintentional. However, the umpire must first determine whether or not the fielder was interfered with.
The runner has been thrown out, and the ball is dead. If the umpire calls the batter, batter-runner, or runner out for interference, all other runners must return to the last base lawfully touched at the moment of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules.
Interference with a hit ball by a runner A fielder attempting to field a hit ball must be avoided by the runner. The fielder's defense begins the minute the ball is struck. That defense remains while he completes his original play, all the way up to the act of throwing. If the ball is caught before it hits the ground, there is no out and the batter is entitled to another turn at bat. Otherwise, the runner is out. If the ball is hit into the stands or onto the roof of the stadium, the out call is confirmed by the ump.
The runner cannot start running until the ball is hit. As soon as he moves his feet, whether or not the ball is in flight, he has violated the rule and should be called out. However, if the ball is hit hard and travels only a few yards, the runner may not have time to start running before it reaches the outfield. In this case, he can stay in school long enough to see where the ball goes before deciding how to proceed.
If the ball is hit directly at a runner who isn't able to get out of the way in time, you have committed an illegal pick-up attempt. This is also a foul ball even if it doesn't go for a hit because it is dangerous business getting involved in a baseball game.
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