Batter's box not marked
 

Adult men's slow pitch league. We don't have lined batters boxes. Several players are known for multiple hop approaches to pitches.

Arguments have ensued about whether a batter can be called out for being "out of the box" when no lines are present.

Any thoughts?

They can. Just say that, and leave it alone.

If I've got no lines (or if they've been wiped out), I'm really flexible on what I consider "out of the box." I know that the line nearest the plate is 6" off the plate, so if I see their entire foot completely in front of the plate, then (and only then) will I call it. Quite often, I'm on fields where the batter's boxes are wrong (baseball instead of SP softball). Same thing - be reasonable, be flexible, but above all, be consistent.

If the lines are wrong or are not present, I usually give both teams a heads up before the game. Out of 200+ games per year, I only call it maybe 2-3 times.

A rule is a rule, lines or not. :rolleyes:

I've seen (and played in) SP games where blue looks at box pre-game, says "...that's not right...", erases box with feet and tells captains that s/he is the final arbiter of who is and isn't in box and will entertain no arguments.

Yup, it's a judgement call...so arguing about it is just like pi$$ing into the wind. And...word of my steadfastness is starting to spread throughout a league I just started working this year. I hear someone in the dugout, Jim bob or some such, holler, "Hey bubba! This is that blue that will nail you for turning on that inside pitch."

THAT is a reputation I do not mind one iota.

I've had to do that when A) the batters box frame is laid backwards and the box is backwards b) they made a baseball box.

Sometimes it is wrong and you gotta erase them.

If someone is getting excited, draw one with your foot.

mick
Moderator Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Houghton, U.P., Michigan
Posts: 8,194

"If someone is getting excited, draw one with your foot."


If they're that excited about it, give them the dimensions and let them draw it.

No way, der hey. That can open up a whole new can of worms. :)

If asked about it, I always say, "if I don't have a box (or the correct box), I'll only call it when it's dead obvious to me. Otherwise, what can you do?" Teams have never had a problem with having it that way.

The otherwise superb grounds crew got a little lazy at the Northwest FL ASA Regional (JO Fastpitch) last weekend. They dragged and re-lined the field before the winner's bracket final. While they were at it, we were holding the plate conference near the backstop to keep things close to on time. I looked at the box and told them it was too short in the front. (It's a dead give-away when the foul lines intersect the box right at the front corner.) Crew chief swore he was right, but got the box template out and checked. Sure enough, about 6" too short. They had enough pride to rake it out and re-line it. :cool:

Quote:
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If someone is getting excited, draw one with your foot.
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Not that deep a line ! :eek:

I know, but it gave me a chance to pick on a yooper. :)

Just messin' with ya. I'm originally from Wisconsin, and half my family actually talks like they do in the movie, Fargo.