Strange 3rd strike call

In many states HS batters cannot step fully out of the batters box between pitches---they must keep one foot in the batters box

The batter can step one foot out of the box between pitches. If he steps completely out of the box he must call time. Most umpires will give a warning but they are not required to do so. It sure slows down the game when umpires do not enforce the rules.

The batter did not call time out and did step both feet out of the batters box. It was the second game of a double header. The really sad thing about the situation, as our team came to bat the first two batters did the same thing and were given strikes. Makes you wonder sometimes if they are paying attention to the game.

The stepping out of the box rule was originally passed to be very restrictive. You were to keep one foot in except for certain cases. Fed then went back an loosened it some. How they want it called now is if it isn't one of the exceptions but the batter isn't delaying the game then let it go. What most will do is tell the batter to stay close or suffer a strike call. If he chooses to continue delaying the game then he gets a strike call.
One instance they want you call it with no warning is when the batter tries to get time, steps out and the pitcher pitches. That is going to be a strike on the pitch and one on the stepping out of the box. Two strikes on one pitch.
It doesn't sound like the umpire in your game was cutting them any slack at all. However as you say when the first two batters get banged the players need to figure it out.

Coach M, gimages, just remember that batters dont call timeouts, they can only ask for one Its up the the ump to grant one or not...

[QUOTE]
One instance they want you call it with no warning is when the batter tries to get time, steps out and the pitcher pitches. That is going to be a strike on the pitch and one on the stepping out of the box. Two strikes on one pitch.
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MTS,
First time I have heard that rule. So in this instance: no matter if the pitched ball is in the strike zone or not, it is called a strike. Please help me with the logic?

One of the strikes is for delaying the game (failing to be ready in 20 seconds after the pitcher gets the ball), one is for leaving the box. It doesnt matter if the pitch is in the strike zone or not. In fact, he doesnt have to pitch at all (7-3-1)

In the situation I discribed no pitch was thrown. NO warning either. Anyway it sounds like a correct call. Though it seems the ump was being a bit tight.

gimages,

At the high school level, this is a rule. The batter must leave one foot in the box at all times, unless he has been granted time by the umpire, a pitch forces him out of the box, or a play is being made.

TSP4

quote:

Originally posted by LonBlue67:
One of the strikes is for delaying the game (failing to be ready in 20 seconds after the pitcher gets the ball), one is for leaving the box. It doesnt matter if the pitch is in the strike zone or not. In fact, he doesnt have to pitch at all (7-3-1)

The situation MST describes is the batter stepping out of the box without calling timeout. He doesn't mention a 20 second delay. So my question is: If a batter steps out without receiving timeout and the pitcher makes a pitch and it is out of the strike zone, it is an automatic 2 strikes? Obviously I am not an umpire, but I fail to see the logic and rationale behind this ruling. Not trying to be argumentative.

Think of it this way. If he steps out and causes the pitcher to balk the balk is nullified, and the batter is charged with a strike. In OBR it just a do over.
If the pitcher pitches you can't know if he tried to hold up or otherwise changed his delivery becuase of the batter stepping out so you charge the batter a strike on the pitch. Then because he left the box and it wasn't one of the exceptions he is charged with a second strike.
Exceptions:
Swinging Strike
Pitch not caught by catcher
Time called for any reason
Catcher gives defensive signals
Play or feint to a base
Pitch pushes him back
Unsuccessful drag bunt
These are from memory but I think I got them all.

MST,
I know you must be right about the rule, but what is the logic for 2 strikes. I am just having trouble understanding why he is charged with a strike twice for stepping out once.
Sorry for the thick skull here.

There are two strikes because there are two violations.
One he stepped out without permission possibly causing a balk. This is a strike called for that.

Then because he has created a delay of game it is another strike.
Fed wants the games to flow and that batters to stay close so they created the very tough call to keep the batters where they belong.
It is the same with obstruction. They always award one base past last legally touched so teams won't take a chance at a cheap obstruction call.