Quote:
Originally posted by smoump
Penalty reads "for failure of the batter to be ready within 20 seconds after the ball has been returned to the pitcher, the umpire shall call a strike. If the batter leaves the batter's box, delays the game, and none of the above exceptions apply, the plate umpire shall charge a strike to the batter".
Should I read this as "if he leaves box AND delays the game? Another words, he can leave box as long as he doesn't delay the game?
Situation: 3-1 count, pitch is a strike, but my timing is deliberate, he begins his advancement to first thinking the pitch was a ball. Once he hears it was a strike, he is already out of the box.
Solution a) he left box, additional strike batter out.
Solution b) tell batter to return to box, 3-2 count.
What do your great minds think!! I personally would do b, but am I miss applying the rule?
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In your situation I'd tell the batter that it was a ball & to get back in the box, count 3-2.
In other situations I simply tell them to stay in the box. If things get out of hand then I'll pentalize the batter but that hasn't happened very often.