What is catcher’s interference?

• A. The catcher blocks the plate legally
• B. The catcher makes a legal tag on a runner
• C. The catcher calls time and leaves the crouch
• D. The catcher or his equipment hinders the batter’s attempt to swing or the ball’s path

Answer: (D)

Catcher’s interference is when the catcher or his equipment hinders the batter’s ability to swing at the pitch or blocks the ball’s path to the plate. This definition is exactly what the option describes, making it the correct choice. When interference occurs, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded first base (with other runners advancing as the rules allow). The other statements describe actions that are legal or unrelated to hindering the batter or the ball’s path, so they don’t fit the definition of interference.