What is the 'catcher’s interference' rule in MLB?

Catcher’s interference is a rule that dates back over a century in Major League Baseball (MLB), designed to protect the batter’s right to a fair swing at a pitch.

The rule emerged in the 1900s as part of baseball’s evolving efforts to balance offense and defense. While interference rules initially focused more broadly on base runners and fielders, catcher’s interference specifically addressed the increasing physical proximity of catchers to the plate, which could disrupt a batter’s swing.



For decades, catcher’s interference was a rare occurrence. It typically arose only a few times per season across the entire league. However, in recent years, the frequency has increased - especially with faster pitchers and more aggressive swings.

CATCHER’S INTERFERENCE' RULE

Catcher’s interference occurs when the catcher physically hinders the batter’s swing, typically by the catcher’s glove making contact with the bat during a pitch. When this happens, the batter is awarded first base, and any runners on base may advance if forced. The play is usually dead unless the offensive team prefers the result of the play.


PHILLIES CLINCH VICTORY ON RARE WALK-OFF CATCHER’S INTERFERENCE

The Philadelphia Phillies secured a dramatic 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox in 10 innings on Monday night, thanks to a rare walk-off via catcher’s interference.

With the bases loaded and one out, Edmundo Sosa’s check swing caused his bat to make contact with catcher Carlos Narvaez’s glove. The interference call awarded Sosa first base and forced in the winning run, ending the game without the ball ever being put in play.

FIRST INSTANCE SINCE 1971

According to MLB, the Phillies-Red Sox game marked the first walk-off catcher's interference play since August 1, 1971, when the Dodgers defeated the Reds after outfielder Willie Crawford drew an interference call against Hall of Famer Johnny Bench behind home plate.