Coaches... always thinking...

[Dakota]

This situation is copied from the NFHS board. It would appear a coach has come up with a "play" that avoids the batter changing batter's boxes during the pitch rule...

NFHS Rules:

Here's the situation:
Runner on 3B, 1 Out, RH Batter up. After the pitcher began her motion, the batter left the batter's box, crossed in front of the plate and went in front of the LH Batter's Box. She did not step into the LH Batter's Box. She did this (in the opinion of all of those who saw the play) to distract the catcher. After she passed in front of the plate, the pitch went behind her and through the strike zone. Because she had blocked the catcher's view of the pitch, the catcher did not catch the ball, the ball went back to the screen, and the runner, who had not started toward home until the ball passed the catcher, scored on the passed ball.

Comments? Call?

[Little Jimmy]

I think you could make a case for Fed 7-4-3, but certainly7-4-4 seems to apply. Penalty: The batter is out. The ball is dead immediately.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Little Jimmy

I think you could make a case for Fed 7-4-3, but certainly7-4-4 seems to apply. Penalty: The batter is out. The ball is dead immediately.

7.4.3 is specifically not applicable since that is the point of the coach's "play". However, I certainly agree that we could sell 7.4.4

[Tru_in_Blu]

7.4.4 The batter interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, ... after the pitch reaches the catcher...

My question here would be, is the catcher, while in position to receive a pitch actively "fielding or throwing"?

I don't think there's any question that the catcher was interfered with, but which rule is violated.

I think arguments could be made AGAINST both 7.4.3 and 7.4.4.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

7.4.4 The batter interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, ... after the pitch reaches the catcher...

My question here would be, is the catcher, while in position to receive a pitch actively "fielding or throwing"?

I don't think there's any question that the catcher was interfered with, but which rule is violated.

I think arguments could be made AGAINST both 7.4.3 and 7.4.4.

Hey, I said I could sell it. Doesn't mean it is correct

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Hey, I said I could sell it. Doesn't mean it is correct

Oh, did I forget to mention my conversation with the coach mentioning 4.3.E?

[Tru_in_Blu]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Oh, did I forget to mention my conversation with the coach mentioning 4.3.E?

I guess that works if'n you've been successful at selling 7.4.4. So if you're someone who can sell ice to an Eskimo, you've got it knocked!

[Tru_in_Blu]

ASA is a little clearer on this subject: 7.6.P

When hindering the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box.

[KJUmp]

NCAA- Batter is out. (11.22.2)
.....includes the words catching or throwing the ball.....

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

7.4.4 The batter interferes with the catcher's fielding or throwing by leaning over home plate, ... after the pitch reaches the catcher...

My question here would be, is the catcher, while in position to receive a pitch actively "fielding or throwing"?

I don't think there's any question that the catcher was interfered with, but which rule is violated.

I think arguments could be made AGAINST both 7.4.3 and 7.4.4.

Yeah.....perhaps, but you are going to make an Out call here aren't you?

[HugoTafurst]

7-4-3: All the way.

The batter was stepping TO the other box.
Maybe she didn't get there, but that's where she was stepping to.

( I was going to suggest that on the other board, but never did hit submit......)