Question on play at the plate

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by Johnny Ringo

The batter stood stationary and was in the path of the toss.

"batter steps out of box...


Which is it?

The batter can't be held liable for a ball pinballing at the back stop. Yes, they need to make an attempt to get out of the way, but the blame needs to be pointed at the defense. They are the ones that put the ball on the ground.

So the batter needs to make an attempt to get out of the way, but that's about it. Look for that attempt, and also any intention to interfer. Aside from that, it's all on the defense. They put themselves in this situation.