input from umpires and coaches

First, if the batter's foot is touching any part of that batter's box no matter how small, he is still in the box. After that, I'd recommend the catcher talk to the ump (without turning around) and mention that he didn't think the batter was in the box so please be aware of it. Another good converstation would be for you catcher to have a converstation something to the effect of, "Sir, I don't think batter #? is in the box and so, we're going to pitch in to him. Please be aware that he isn't in the box incase we hit him. The Ump will almost always respond to that one.

Good advice CoachB25 - my question who in the world would teach this? Being hit by a pitch is bad enough but to put yourself or to tell a kid to do something like it crazy. You could almost cover the other batters box with your swing.

How can an umpire not see this? If I read this correctly then if his foot is almost behind the plate the he would be blocking the view of the ump.

Thanks to you both - the kid had an open stance and he had at least two inches of his foot behind the plate....intimidation thing I guess?

My son just set up on the black (inside) and the kid fouled two off and then hit a weak grounder to the pitcher.

Posted by CoachB25:

quote:

First, if the batter's foot is touching any part of that batter's box no matter how small, he is still in the box.

A minor clarification:
What CoachB25 wrote is true if the batter is attempting to hit a pitch. Prior to the pitch being delivered, however, the batter's feet must be entirely within the box. Either foot may be touching the lines as the lines are part of the box but no part of the foot may be outside the lines before the pitch is delivered.
The umpire should tell the batter that he has to get in the box.

Pilsner, thats what I thought the rule was - but if the umpire doesnt enforce it what should a catcher do. If I understand the rule correctly, if the umpire doesnt correct it prior to the pitch there is no negative impact to the batter.

A smart pitcher will make a "negative impact" on the batter by throwing inside. With this stance you can literally hit the inside corner of the plate and still hit the batter.

Correct me here if I am wrong but wouldn't that still be a strike on the batter and not first base? Anything over the plate is a strike regardless if it hits the batter or not. Is that right?

Thanks coach, thats where I was going withh this - batter gets hit - how many umps in this situation would call it a stike.

Bigger issue..... to me anyway - is what should the catcher/pitcher do when he sees this - let it go - dont show up the Ump, or politely ask for some help, or just throw inside. I'm now seeing the stance descibed above a couple of times a year. There doesnt seem to be any differnce on the outside ball call but it appears the inside strike (over the plate) is not being called JMHO

I believe a great ump will notice and take care of it. A good to mediocre ump will take care of it if the catcher / pitcher / coach brings it up in. If I was the catcher I would ask him without turning around or taking off my mask. As a coach I would talk about it after the inning. A not that good to terrible ump will not do anything and probably not have a clue as to what is happening.

I'll chime in too, but you've got the correct answer.

The batter takes his place with both feet in the box, yes they can be touching the line/s.

Umpire should not allow anything until the batter complies, if the batter refuses, he will be gone very soon. Palpably delaying the game.

I would not allow the pitcher to pitch until the batter was in the box.

I would treat the batter who refused to enter the box differently. The batters safety (whether deserving or not) comes more into play by being out of the box towards the plate than one outside the box towards 3B. And he won't enter, three pitches is all we'll need. So no delay, IMO.

I would certainly tolerate a catchers "heads up" to me should I miss the violation. Even if he removed his mask and pointed at the batter and asked, "hey, blue that legal?"

As a pitcher, I'd pitch no different than any other batter, well, perhaps with less guilt should one come too close.

As a catcher, I'd set up on the inside 1/2.

As a coach, I'd tell the battery, ah, ya might wanna saw him off here.

If a batter is struck while the ball is in the srike zone, yes, that's still a strike, but hey, get up, you get another chance..

Many have already answered the question. The batter must be inside the box before the pitch. I wouldn't have a problem with the catcher asking if I thought he was legal. I had it happen Friday in a varsity game. I had a big catcher that worked very close to the plate. The batter was putting his foot on the back line. He asked if he was legal and I told him as long as he was touching he was OK.