Fast Pitch Softball--Little League

Question
Runner on third, batter pops up, pitcher goes to catch the pop up which is outside first base baseline, batter collides with pitcher (outside base line), knocks pitcher down, but pitcher makes the catch, batter out. 3rd base runner tags up and runs into home.  Shouldn't there have been an interference call on the batter, making it a dead ball and no score?  

Answer
Good morning Kara.

What you describe is indeed interference.  Dead ball.  It makes no difference if they ball is caught or not.  We have interference as soon as the runner collides with the pitcher.

It's possible that the umpire did not think the interference was intentional but that is a myth.  Interference does not have to be intentional to be called.  A defensive player must be allowed to field the ball anywhere on the field.  An offensive player must vacate the space needed (unless they are on a legally occupied base and even then they must do everything they can not to interfere.)

Obstruction and interference usually happen quickly and an umpire must be ready to call what they see.

Hope this helps,

Mark