Catcher movement restrictions
 

Does the catcher have any restrictions on how far left/right/back/forward he/she can move (without obstructing the batter or just way out there)?

The reason I ask is I've been asked to do some senior league games (16-18) this summer and I have only been doing younger games. When I was playing in this league, an umpire once told me to squat lower and drew lines in the dirt that I couldn't cross going left and right. I am about 6' tall and this ump might have been 5'3". The lines he drew gave me only a few inches of movement left and right also. This didn't seem right to me then or now. Any help would be appreciated

lukealex,

Unless there is an intentional walk in progress, the catcher may setup pretty much where he pleases. As long as he's in a position to catch a pitch, he's fine. By rule, he must be "directly back of the plate" when the ball is put in play.

JM