RE: Anyone explain fan interference rule?

Posted on: April 4, 2025 at 15:13:11 CT

In MLB, fan interference occurs when a spectator reaches onto the field and interferes with a play, resulting in the ball being declared dead and the umpire imposing penalties to nullify the interference, potentially including ruling the batter out.
Here's a more detailed explanation of the MLB fan interference rule:
Definition:
Fan interference happens when a spectator interferes with a play by reaching onto the field of play and touching a live ball or a player attempting to make a play.
Consequences:
The ball is declared dead.
The umpire will impose penalties to nullify the act of interference, which may include awarding bases or charging outs as the umpire deems appropriate.
If a spectator prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball by reaching onto the field, the batter is ruled out.
Spectators who commit interference are often ejected from the stadium.
"No Man's Land":
Spectators are allowed to touch and/or catch a ball that is still in play once the ball has broken the plane of the spectators' side of the wall, which is colloquially called "no man's land".
Umpire's Signal:
Umpires typically signal spectator interference by grabbing their wrist above their head.
Examples:
A fan reaching over the fence to catch a foul ball that a fielder could have caught.
A fan reaching out and grabbing a ball from a fielder's glove.
Key Points:
Fans are allowed to catch and keep balls that come into the stands, but if they reach over the barrier or disrupt the fielder's ability to make a play, it can be called fan interference.
It's important to note that fans and coaches can be guilty of interference as well as players.