Quote:
Originally Posted by MTDv2.0
On the contrary, whether or not the batter left the box is one of the criteria for judging batter interference. In this situation, because the batter remained in the box, he is afforded a degree of protection.
NFHS Casebook: 7.3.5E: With less than two outs, R1 on second and B2 at the plate, R1 attempts to steal third. In the process, B2, who bats right-handed, after swinging or not swinging at the pitch (a) makes no attempt to get out of the way of F2 throwing to third or (b) is unable to make an attempt to get out of the way of F2 throwing to third. As a result, F2 cannot make a play on the runner. Is B2 out and must R1 return to second?
RULING: B2 is not guilty of interference in (a) or (b). B2 is entitled to his position in the batter’s box and is not subject to being penalized for interference unless he moves to re-establish his position after F2 has received the pitch, which then prevents F2 from attempting to play on a runner. Failing to move so F2 can make a throw is not batter interference.
According to OP, the only movement the batter made after the catcher received the pitch was to stand up in place.
So the question is: Does standing up in place constitute re-establishing position?
IMO, no. We always determine a players position based on the placement of his feet e.g. In/Out of running lane or In/Out of the batter's box. If his feet haven't moved, he hasn't re-established a position in the box.
Personally, I would not penalize the batter in the play described above.
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Your right it is "ONE OF" the criteria but, definitely NOT the only deciding factor in making BI determinations. As shown in the Case play. I agree.
As far as re-establishing position, the case play answers this however, you choose to disagree with the ruling. Why the batter sttod up and interfer and the fact that he DID interfer are two different things. INTENT has NO bearing on the call.
As far as feet moving being directly related to re-establishing position, I disagree, unless you have some official authoratative interpretation relevant to that.