Quote:
Originally posted by Kidcoach
Base umpire calls "Field Balk" because firstbaseman is straddle the bag and has one foot in foul territory. No one I talk to has heard of this, nor has the Plate Umpire. Base Ump says all players must have both feet in field of play at pitch. I point out that the catcher obviously doesn't, and in my opinion, one foot puts the player on the field. I have been looking, in vain, for the answer. Appreciate any help.....
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OBR rules: 4.03. "when the ball is put in play at the stsrt of, or during a game , all fielders other than the catcher shall be on Fair teritory." Two feet..
Penalty: There is none.
The confusion comes about because directly below 4.03, 4.03a talks about the catcher remaining in the lines of the catchers box until the ball leaves the pitchers hand. The penalty for this is a Balk. EVERY year I hear abouta official that makes this call, incorrectly.