catchers balk

[umped up]

For clarification, when does the catcher step out of the box to recieve the pitch? Is it during the release or when the pitcher starts his motion home. I'm thinking its during the release since in the rules (MLB)8.05 L the pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher's box. Im keying on the word "pitches" but not sure. If there are runners on base, its a balk if the catcher leaves the box early. With noone on and this happens, is it just nothing? I'd assume so since there's really no penalty to dish out. One might think, who in the world would intentionally walk a batter with no one on? Barry Bonds. I've seen this happen a number of times when in a one run game, they walk the power hitter usually with two outs though.

[Guest]

The intent of the rule is to prevent the catcher from standing ridiculously far away from the plate to ensure the batter is unable to hit the ball if the pitcher lobs it too close to the plate like in the original Bad News Bears movie.

If they try to circumvent this with no runners on as you're suggesting, instruct the catcher to remain in proximity to where a catcher's box would be and if he refuses, eject him.

The only time I have ever seen this called is in a Youtube video used to demonstrate over-umpiring.

[umped up]

The intent of the rule is to prevent the catcher from standing ridiculously far away from the plate to ensure the batter is unable to hit the ball if the pitcher lobs it too close to the plate like in the original Bad News Bears movie.

If they try to circumvent this with no runners on as you're suggesting, instruct the catcher to remain in proximity to where a catcher's box would be and if he refuses, eject him.

The only time I have ever seen this called is in a Youtube video used to demonstrate over-umpiring.

Thanks. That's what I need right there was the intent of the rule. So when does the catcher start to move out? during the movement towards home or the release (arm starting to move forward?

[UmpJM]

umped up,

If you read the literal rule book language, you would be led to believe that the catcher must remain in the catcher's box until the pitcher has actually released the pitch.

In actual practice, one the pitcher initiates his delivery, the catcher may leave the catcher's box without penalty.

JM

[mstaylor]

What Jon said.

[UmpTTS43]

OBR, F2 can vacate the box as F1 initiates his delivery.

NCAA, F2 can vacate the box when F1 has released the ball during his delivery.

COMMON SENSE, don't pick that booger.

[noumpere]

OBR, F2 can vacate the box as F1 initiates his delivery.

NCAA, F2 can vacate the box when F1 has released the ball during his delivery.

COMMON SENSE, don't pick that booger.

HS is the same as PROs on this rule

[mw94]

No, FED rule is "Time , Intentional Walk , batter go to 1st base"

[JaxRolo]

No, <acronym title='Federation Rules (High School)'>FED</acronym> rule is "Time , Intentional Walk , batter go to 1st base"

+1. Just put him on