F3 in Foul Territory
 

Without going overboard on calling the game, I was wondering what is the exact rule with regards to F3 holding a runner at first.

OBR Rule 4.03 states:
When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory.
(a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given an intentional base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher’s box until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.
PENALTY: Balk.
(b) The pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter, shall take his legal position;
(c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory;
(d) Except the batter, or a runner attempting to score, no offensive player shall cross the catcher’s lines when the ball is in play.

Section c indicates that F3 must be in fair territory but does that mean both feet must be in fair territory or one toe? What is the penalty if F3 is completely in foul territory or is this one of those rules without a designated penalty and simply a "please don't do that".

In OBR, both feet are supposed to be in fair territory. Any part of the foot touching the line is considered to be in fair territory. There is no penalty - it's simply a "don't do that." Most umpires ignore it unless the violation is extreme (like F7 standing in foul territory to back up third base for a possible pick off at third - which I actually saw in a game once) or a coach complains. Then you enforce it against both teams.

In FED, F3 must have at least one foot in fair territory. If he doesn't, by rule it's a balk (if I recall correctly). But I've never seen anyone call it.

You're correct. I slipped back to the original post which was about F3. But it applies to all fielders other than F2. It's just that F3 is usually the offender, but I've seen F5 do the same thing.

Better hope he has long arms if the pitch comes inside...:eek:

There's no penalty, it's a "come on, son. You know the rule" and hold up play until he complies deal. Hard to apply from C but you can certainly call over from B.

Fed = one foot in, penalty=ball or balk at TOP. OBR = two feet in, penalty= any play is nullified, although in actual practice in the major leagues it's one foot in.

I have never called it or seen anyone call it.

Probably for good reason DG. It's one of those we-shouldn't-let-him-pitch-until-F3's-in-place deals.
"Sorry coach. Yeah, I should have held up your pitcher until his first baseman was where he was supposed to be but I didn't so you lose." May as well start calling "catcher balks" for leaving the box on pitch outs.

This is the professional interpretation:

Customs and Usage: First basemen often position one foot in foul territory while holding a runner on first base. On the Major League level, this is acceptable and not considered a violation of the rule. The National Association Leagues' umpires are instructed to permit this unless a complaint is raised. If so, they are told to enforce the rule as written for both teams (similar to the "coach being out of the box" type situation). Defensive players are not allowed to be in foul territory to back-up appeal plays or pitches. No penalty is provided. The umpire simply does not allow play while this condition exists. If a player refuses to comply, he should be ejected.

PLAY:In holding the runner on 1st, the 1st baseman has one foot completely in foul territory.

RULING: In Major League play, this is completely legal. National Association Leagues instruct their umpires to allow this unless a complaint is lodged. In that case, strict compliance with 4.03 is required.



Tim.