Catcher Jumping Out of Box on A Pitchout/Squeeze

[Spence]

R3. Squeeze play but defense calls for pitchout.

At what point can the catcher come out of the box? In a local game last evening (I wasn't there) this play came about and a "catcher's balk" was called. I'm not really looking to debate the merit of the catcher's balk . I'm just wondering in FED when the catcher is allowed to come out of his "box."

Can he come out when the pitcher starts his motion?

[bob jenkins]

1-1-4 -- At the time of the pitch....

[Spence]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

1-1-4 -- At the time of the pitch....

Thanks

[Dave Reed]

For completeness, the time of the pitch is defined in 2-28-3. The short version: when the pitcher commits himself to pitch.

[Rich Ives]

Make sure he moves sideways. If he moves up toward the pitcher there is potential obstruction call.