Which interference by a coach results in the batter being declared out?

• A. If the coach signals to the batter after a foul ball.
• B. If the coach calls time before the pitch.
• C. If the third-base coach interferes with the third baseman attempting to catch a foul fly ball.
• D. If the catcher interferes on a foul tip.

Answer: (C)

Interference by a nonplayer, such as a coach, can cause the batter to be out when it hinders a fielder attempting to make a play on a live ball. In this case, the third-base coach interferes with the third baseman as he’s trying to catch a foul fly ball. That contact prevents the defensive player from completing the play, so the umpire rules the batter out for interference and the ball is dead.

The other situations don’t involve a fielder in the act of making a play on a live ball, so they don’t produce an out for interference. A coach signaling to the batter after a foul ball doesn’t affect the defensive play; calling time before the pitch stops any action; and catcher interference on a foul tip is governed by a different rule and doesn’t automatically yield an out for the batter in that scenario.