Catcher Interference Without Swing?


 
There is a runner on second base (R2) who is stealing on the pitch. As the pitch nears the plate, the catcher jumps up onto the plate, catches the pitch, and throws to third base to retire the stealing R2. The batter is surprised, but made no attempt to swing at the pitch.
 
Since the batter made no attempt to swing at the pitch, the defensive coach thinks the play should stand. The offensive coach thinks there must be some penalty for this action. What should the umpire do?
 
Call
The catcher may not attempt to catch a pitch until it passes home plate. If he does, then he has obstructed the batter. The penalty for obstructing the batter is that the batter is awarded first base -- and forced (or stealing) runners are awarded their next base (see casebook 8.1.1F).

In the situation below, the batter was obstructed. Since the batter did not reach first base on the play, he is awarded first base. R2 was not forced to 3rd base, but since he was stealing during the obstruction, he is awarded 3rd base (NF 8.1.1e1).