u/mmahota

I've had a few situations in which the batter mistakenly thinks an uncaught pitch is an uncaught third strike (ex. uncaught second strike or uncaught ball). As a result, they go running down to first base, oftentimes with the catcher then attempting to throw them out at first.

The question I am struggling with is whether this act by the batter constitutes Interference?

According to NFHS Rule 8-4-2, the definition for Interference is: Any act by the team at bat (physical or verbal) that hinders, impedes, or confuses a fielder attempting to make a play. It seems to me that at minimum, the batter's act is confusing to the defensive team.

If you have thoughts, please weigh in - thanks!

I had a game over the weekend with a situation I have not encountered before - any help on interpreting or preventing in the future would be appreciated!

2 outs. 2 men on base. 2-2 count. Batter check-swings but not enough to be called a strike. Catcher drops the ball. Batter immediately starts running to first base, thinking it was an uncaught third strike. Fans erupt with all kinds of yelling and noise (which drowned out my call of "Ball"). Batter and base runners start to advance, and catcher throws the ball to first in time to get the batter. Defensive players all start leaving the field.

I stopped the game, announced it was a ball and sent everyone back to their original positions. It worked out ok, but I don't think this was correct. If I let things proceed, the offensive team could have continued to run the bases and scored runs. But I think if I had done this, they would have abandoned the field as well.

Thoughts? What would you have done here?