Batter in the box?
 

rookie question all....

If a LL batter takes a stance in the box with his toes OVER the line, what the heck is the call? Is it "nothing" until he tries to swing?

I ask becuase it feels unfair for a batter to over crowd the plate. Thanks.

It matters not how it feels, but only what the rule says. Lots of things feel unfair but are not illegal.

Note: Others will be along to give the ruling.

Call time (if necessary) and tell him to get his feet completely in the box.

The only time there is a penalty is if his foot is completely on the ground outside the box when he makes contact with the ball. Fair or foul.

Then he would be out.

Rita

Might want to give that one some more thought. The feet don't have to be completely in the box. They can touch the line, and part of the foot can outside the box.

Does LL differ from OBR? Rita is correct for OBR. Both feet must be entirely within the box (the lines are part of the box).

Here are the two appropriate OBR rulings. Little League is similar I think although I don't umpire LL.

6.03 The batter’s legal position shall be with both feet within the batter’s box.
APPROVED RULING: The lines defining the box are within the batter’s box.

6.06 A batter is out for illegal action when—
(a) He hits a ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.

Try again.

Part of the foot can be outside the box ON THE SWING, but not when he takes his initial position in the box.

Right, so the batter who is right at the edge of the box can stride the width (or, I suppose length, depending on the direction) of his foot and still be legal.

And, just to clarify because I know Rich knows this, being outside the box is illegal (absent interference, etc.) only if the ball is hit (fair or foul).

Thanks all!

Sorry I was up, and waiting for the dog more than likely when I wrote this.

The bad thing is one wants out, and the other wants out five minutes later.