[okla21fan]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

That originated (as best I understand it) to cover the following (or a similar) situation: R1 on 3rd, 3-1 count, pitch is ball 4. Catcher attempts a pickoff throw to third base, and the throw hits the (now) batter-runner, who has not yet left the batter's box, but was turning to drop the bat.

ASA 7-6.Q would appear to consider that action actively (albeit not intentionally) interfering with the thrown ball. But, this is no longer a batter, it is a batter-runner. So, absent intent, could it be interference? The purpose of "out of the box" is to indicate that the transition from batter to batter-runner may not be instantaneous, and that while still in the box, some added protection is available for a nonintentional act; once out of the box, however, the act is the determining factor.

makes sense....thanks