Would u call it

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

No, I wouldn't call it. Yes, it's a book rule, however there's no intent to deceive anybody, why pick a fight, let it go. If it bothers you that much, then tell the catcher, hey, do me a favor, stay in the box until he starts his motion. As mentioned before, the catchers box was the base lines extended out, what was it six, eight feet. In the early years, the catcher was prohibited from leaving the box. For an intentional walk, the catchers would set up in the back corners of their box, well outside the strike zone for the walk.

The actual rule (4.03(a ))says the catcher can't leave the box until the pitch leaves the pitcher's hand. That's the source of the complaint.

The original catcher's box went all the way to the fence.

[justanotherblue]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

The actual rule (4.03(a ))says the catcher can't leave the box until the pitch leaves the pitcher's hand. That's the source of the complaint.

Yep, you're right, still not gonna call it. There's still no advantage being won by the defense, there's still the possibillity of bad things happening during the play. I know the rule, it's not worth the fight either during a game or here on this board.

[MD Longhorn]

Honestly, he didn't appear to be out of the box to me...

[MikeStrybel]

That late in the game there is probably no visible catcher's box (if there ever was a marked one) visible. This is similar to the thread regarding a batter being called out for stepping out of the box when striking the ball but no lines were ever drawn to designate the box! Sheesh.

[David B]

Originally Posted by MikeStrybel

That late in the game there is probably no visible catcher's box (if there ever was a marked one) visible. This is similar to the thread regarding a batter being called out for stepping out of the box when striking the ball but no lines were ever drawn to designate the box! Sheesh.

Yep, somebody pickin' boogers, ain't gonna let it happen. Coaches are funny ...

thanks
David