batter interfering with a catcher's attempt to pick-off a leading runner or throw out a stealing runner can be one of the most difficult plays for an umpire to call. Our plate training requires us to be so concentrated on tracking the pitched ball into the glove that we can sometimes miss action that takes place immediately after the ball hits the catcher's mitt. That type of interference can happen in the blink of an eye. Our judgment must be determined by actions that take place in a fraction of a second. We can make our job easier by keeping some of the following guidelines in mind.

What the batter may do

What can a batter do? What can't a batter do? What's a batter to do? To be is to do. To do is to be. Do be, do be, do.

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