When a batter steps out of the box to hit a pitch, does it matter if it is a fair/foul ball? Is he out no matter?

Also, if every time there is a walk, the catcher throws down to first base to ensure the batter/runner does not over run first base. One time in doing this, the runner was outside the runners lane and the catcher hit him with the ball on the throw down. My question....does a runner have to stay inside the lane even on a walk?

Max

I don't think it matters if it is fair or foul but I'm not sure. However, I do believe that at least one foot must be completely out side of the batter's box and touching the ground at the time of the fair or foul ball hit in order for him to be called out.

You got me on the second question.

Greg

[Edited by Gre144 on May 16th, 2001 at 11:54 AM]

Batter's out if he hits the ball with one (or both) feet on the ground completely outside the batter's box. No requirement that it be fair. 6.06(a)


On a BB the batter is entitled to first without liability to be out out. 6.08(a) Until he reaches first there can be no play or attempted play on him so there is nothing to interferes with.

But, if that throw goes out of play after hitting the BR then we have a horse of a neon color.....

But, if that throw goes out of play after hitting the BR then we have a horse of a neon color..... [/B][/QUOTE]

Would we give him second if the ball hit him and then went into dead ball territory?

Would we give him second if the ball hit him and then went into dead ball territory? [/B][/QUOTE]

Yep, same as any thrown ball out of play.

P-Sz

I believe the batter/runner should get 3B. By the walk, he should be assumed to have established 1B. The throw by the catcher would be a second play. I may be wrong, but it sounds right to me.

Bob

I believe you are wrong. Just because the runner has been awarded first initially doesn't mean he has reached it. This is the same tenet as the original situation:

If ball four goes out of play, the BR is awarded one base, first, even though he was awarded first on the base on balls.

If the catcher throws a ball out of play immediately after ball four, the BR is awarded two bases, second, even though he was awarded first on the base on balls.

P-Sz

The award is from TOP so second as Patrick said.

What if he thinks that it is strike three and enters the dugout before touching first-Would you give him the base anyways because of the walk or would you call him out for not reaching first base and entering the dugout?