Quote:
Originally posted by Thane Yennie
Yes I called B I he was in the way and didn't bother trying to move.
I agree the batter cannot disappear, but if the batter ducks down to avoid the throw to third, he better stay down
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Thane,
I don't know if it's any different in FED, but in OBR your call would have been incorrect.
A batter is not required to get out of the way. It is perfectly legal for him to freeze in the batter's box, and make no other movement. If this complicates the catcher's play, it's just too darn bad.
The batter cannot be expected to diappear. He has a right to be there and to do what batters do. A batter has a right to do what batters do naturally, including offering or not offering at a pitch, dodging a bean ball, or simply standing still in the box.
It is only when he makes some other movement, or if he steps out of the box (and is not avoiding a pitch,) then he is guilty of interference.
"Some other movement,"
includes a movement to get out of the way of the catcher's throw. Yes, even though a batter is trying to get out of the way, he can be quite guilty of illegal interference for that action.
So, to summarize, a batter may:
1. Offer or not offer at the pitch
2. Avoid the pitch
3. Freeze in the box
A batter may not:
1. Step out of the box
2. Make
any other movement