Catcher's Int on Illegally Batted ball

[cviverito]

Originally Posted by kylejt

I do, and I've seen it. They'll start with a narrow stance in the back of the box, and when the pitch comes in actually step out of the back of the box. That's batter's interference, if they contact the glove, with a man on base, yes? If not, why not?

It's not. Reason: because you rule on each issue in the order in which they occur.

In this case, the catchers glove interferes with the batters swing before the bat makes contact with the ball. So you rule on that first. Catchers interference, delayed dead ball. The batter is awarded first only if the continuation of his swing fails to yield a base hit or better, which is what happens here when the batter strikes the ball while one or both of his feet entirely out of the box. So, award first base for the interference. Now the defense has a choice - accept the interference and take the award...or take the out. Guess which one they will take?

Keep in mind the batter is penalized for being out of the box only when he strikes the ball with his bat.