homesteal, 2 strikes and an empty battersbox

[_Bruno_]

hi,
following situation,
a runner on 3rd base, 2 outs and a 2-2 count on the batter.
during the home steal the batter leaves his batters box and the pitch misses the strike zone wide.
whats the right call ? was the pitch a ball ? oder was it, cause the batter left the box, a strike (which would result in a K and the 3rd out of the inning) ?

[Jim Porter]

It was a ball because it was wide of the strike zone.

Only when the batter refuses to enter the box can the umpire order the pitcher to pitch and call it a strike regardless of its location.

[tiger49]

Originally Posted by Jim Porter

It was a ball because it was wide of the strike zone.

Only when the batter refuses to enter the box can the umpire order the pitcher to pitch and call it a strike regardless of its location.

Not anymore under OBR. They no longer are required to pitch.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by tiger49

Not anymore under OBR. They no longer are required to pitch.

"Batter get in the box."

"Batter get in the box."

"That's a strike on the batter, the count is now ......."


On a related note, according to some MiLB umpires, they have been directed to enforce the rule, 6.02 something, I believe, that keeps MiLB batters in the box between pitches TO THE LETTER.

Over 300 enforcements so far with only about 12 related ejections.

[Jim Porter]

Originally Posted by tiger49

Not anymore under OBR. They no longer are required to pitch.

Ah, yes, forgot about the new rule for 2007.

[_Bruno_]

hi,
thanks for your quick answers