I could never really quite understand how simply having one foot in the batter's box speeds things up. If the batter is not ready, for whatever reason, whether ONE or TWO feet are out of the batter's box, the game cannot commence.[/B][/QUOTE]If both feet are out the batter is more likely to take 2 or 3 practice swings, fiddle with his batting gloves, etc. and the game will last 15 minutes more than it should. [/B][/QUOTE]
Like I said, if he goes through some kind of delaying ritual, then I *will* comment on the matter. BUT - if all a batter is really doing is just taking a practice swing or two and getting his signals, I don't consider that delaying the game. I won't mention it. In my experience, the latter case describes a vast majority of the players.
I don't think I've ever felt the need to invoke this provision.
David Emerling
Memphis, TN