[spots101]

Originally Posted by Tim C

I am not good enough of an umpire to properly track a pitch, read everything that happens at the moment of impact betwix bat and ball AND also look down to see a batter's foot.

Wow, and with your "Columnist" title and your 3801 games and your 1,500+ posts I'm really kinda disappointed in you.

Originally Posted by Tim C

A "better" example for you to ask would have been:

Right handed hitter, and the hit-and-run play is on. F1 pitches out so that the ball is in the left handed batter's box - - -

Batter reaches Waaay across and pokes the ball into right field.

What would you call?

Again, when tracking a pitch I would have no idea if the batter's foot was actually on the ground outside the batter's box -- I do not call what I do not see therefore I would ignore it.

38 years, 3801 games and I have never considered calling this "violation."

What would you call? Hmmm. Well, if the batter reaches over and is able to hit the ball without any "violation" then we have a fair ball, if hit to the left of the foul line. It is humanly possible for the batter to do this and have both feet in proper position. This play was on Sportscenter not too long ago. One doesn't have to be a lizard to be able to look down right after impact from the bat hitting the ball and notice if the batter is out of the box. Notice I didn't say at the moment of impact but rather after impact. The batter's momentum will not allow him to instantly correct his "violation".

Maybe you should change "Strikes & Outs" to "Picks & Chooses".