asa fastpitch softball situation

Question
Runner on 3rd base 2 outs.  Ball is pitched home, in the dirt and gets by the catcher (batter didnt swing).  Runner comes home safely, but is called out because batter was still in the batters box when he arrived home.  Umpire called batter interference.

Didnt seem right but I've not seen this happen before.

Thanks
Gary  

Answer
Hi Gary,

Interference is defined as the act of an offensive player which impedes, hinders or confuses a defensive player attempting to execute a play. Defensive players must be given the opportunity to field the ball (or make a play) anywhere on the playing field without being hindered.

If the batter hindered the catcher from making a play we have have interference.  If the catcher was still chasing the ball around or had no opportunity to make a play of any kind (a toss to the pitcher for example) then we don't.

I didn't see the play but this would be a good teaching example for batters to look at what's going on and get out of there in case of any type of play may be coming.  Same goes for on deck batters.

Mark