What constitutes follow-through interference in baseball?

Follow-through interference occurs when a batter, after completing their swing, unintentionally makes contact with a defensive player while still in the act of completing their swing or immediately following it. In this context, when the batter swings and inadvertently strikes the catcher, it constitutes follow-through interference. This is a violation because it can hinder the catcher's ability to play the ball effectively, potentially impacting the outcome of the play.

In situations where the bat makes contact with the umpire, while it can be a disruptive occurrence, it is not classified as follow-through interference in the same way. The umpire is considered part of the field, and instances involving officials follow different protocols regarding interference.

Similarly, if the catcher jumps to catch a foul ball, it would not be considered interference unless there is physical contact that disrupts the batter's swing or the play at hand. Lastly, a batter stepping out of the box during the swing does not fit the definition of follow-through interference, as that action relates more to the batter’s positioning rather than interference during the follow-through of the swing.

Thus, the correct answer aligns with the specifics of the situation presented, highlighting the nuances of follow-through interference as it specifically pertains to contact made after the act of swinging.