Illegally batted ball?

[MikeStrybel]

Originally Posted by Suudy

But this was a long time ago. I don't know how often people actually swing at IBBs. But I presume the PU is looking at feet in these cases, no?

Yes, it was a long time ago. I mentioned them because they were huge stars who broke the rules and were caught.

Look, we've got a lot to do out there, track the pitch, watch for catcher's obstruction, batter interference, etc. We do this all while trying to judge a pitch that is moving pretty fast, maybe in a few different ways and without much more than guide on the ground to aid us. Gauging that extra split second to see of a player's foot is completely out of the box is incredibly difficult. That may be one of the leading reasons why we don't see it called more in the pros. And they have chalked lines that don't disappear like most of ours do!

Good luck this season.

[Simply The Best]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Look, we've got a lot to do out there, track the pitch, watch for catcher's obstruction, batter interference, etc. We do this all while trying to judge a pitch that is moving pretty fast, maybe in a few different ways and without much more than guide on the ground to aid us. Gauging that extra split second to see of a player's foot is completely out of the box is incredibly difficult. That may be one of the leading reasons why we don't see it called more in the pros. And they have chalked lines that don't disappear like most of ours do!

Each of us have differing capabilities, strengths and weaknesses. I have never had a problem with this call, making or teaching it. One reason may be I'm in a helmet that isn't cleared when the bunt/IBB is made. OMMV but to not check the feet in the case we are discussing was a gross mechanical failure imho.

[MrUmpire]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

Hank Aaron lost a home run for being out of the box.

Babe Ruth was called out when he stepped across the plate to hit a pitch on an intentional walk.

Bernie Williams was called out for bunting while out of the box.

Maury Wills used to have his ground crews make the boxes bigger when facing duece throwers. He was caught and fined.

You so funny.

Ask Carl Everett about his exchange with Ron Kulpa about being out of the box.

Better yet, ask Kupa about the exchange and who, afterwards, got the better end of that deal and what word went out from MLB on how to handle that situation in the future. Seen it called lately? Hilarious.