Catcher's Interference vs. Obstruction: MLB Rules Explained

Question
QUESTION: Pitcher is ready to pitch, batter is swinging at the plate, catcher is in his crouched position behind homeplate, the batter strikes the catcher on his backswing,is this catcher obstruction?

ANSWER: Hi KC,

No, if F1 has not yet started the pitch we kill it, "dead ball", and allow everyone to reset.

Mark

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: But the pitcher was in position to pitch, he had started his pitch by bring his hands together and was just about to release as the btter hit the catcher in his back swing.

Answer
Hi KC

AHA this is what umpires going for help call "new information"  The pitch starts when 1 hand is taken off the ball after they had been together so if that was the case....

If the pitcher had started their pitch we would have CO, doesn't matter on the back swing or forward swing.  CBP 8.1-23 b

Mark