Note: David's comments are in black, Carl's are in dark red, and blue is a quotation from "The Usual Suspects."

While reading one of your articles, I stumbled across the following passage:

Here's a call [batter interference] we don't make often enough because it's a tough decision requiring guts. When the batter swings to protect the runner stealing second, if B1 steps out of the box in front of the plate, the umpire should bang him out....Contact is not required; neither should the batter's intent enter your decision. The books are clear: The catcher is entitled by the rules to an unimpeded chance to retire that runner. That is one of those plays unique to our great game: The runner's skill at reading pitchers and his speed on the base path are pitted against the catcher's quick release and strength of arm. A batter out of the box must not be permitted to sabotage that elemental duel.

Boone's try for a call

That immediately brought to mind a play I observed in the 2004 World Series between the Yankees and Marlins. When I saw the play, I thought for sure the batter, Aaron Boone, was going to be called for batter's interference. But the plate umpire never acknowledged Boone's actions as interference. I watched very closely: nary an accusatory point.

Continued...