taking out coaches box line

[Mike Walsh]

Originally posted by umpharp
I agree with W.M. Blue....you could call a strike, but I wouldn't unless the team had been warned.
Also, I agree the boxes are there the entire game. You can still call a batter out if a slap hitter runs out of the box and hits the ball late in the second game of a doubleheader even if there is no evidence that a batters box ever exsisted.

The new rule refers to intentionally removing lines. A strike or ball is to be assessed, and a team warning issued. For subsequent violations the head coach is ejected.

According to our state rules interpreter, at the national meeting in Indiana they stressed that this was a reaction to what Fed considers cheating, or at least an attempt to influence the umpire.

So why warn before assessing a ball or strike?

Mike