batter steps on plate

[mbyron]

Originally posted by Rich Ives
That's because 99.44% of the time the pitcher disengages as part of the move to third. Once disengaged no step or throw is required.

Hm. Strange that Rich picked that number. Ivory soap claims to be 99.44% pure - see http://www.ivory.com/history.htm. Coincidence? Subliminal advertising?

Oh yeah, and I seem to recall that it's a FED rule that the batter is out if he hits the ball with any part of his foot touching the plate, whether or not he's still partly in the box.