OBR 7.07

[wmmliggett]

OK guys, I know opinions vary and I cannot seem to get a definitive answer, even thouhg I believe OBR Rule 7.07 is quite clear.

Situation: Top of 5, 1-1 game, runners at second and third, two outs. Pitcher working from the set, legally staerts his motion to the plate without stepping off. As soon as he does, the runner from third breaks for home. The catcher comes out from behind the plate and catches the ball in front of the plate. I immediately killed it, called a balk on the pitcher, awarded the bases and then announced it was also catcher's interference and awarded the batter first base.

 

I've had umpires tell me I made the correct ruling (some former and current minor league and colloege umpires), and I've had some tell me you penalize one or the other, but you cannot penalize both (including some former minor league and college umpires).

 

I still think I made the right call, but I'm trying to find out definitely. If anybody has a definitive answer, please let me know.

Thankj you

[BalkHawk]

^^^

[Rich Ives]

The pitcher, not the catcher, has violated the rule, namely pitching while the catcher is not in his box.

 

Nice try but that's only a balk on an IBB.

[James Walker]

The pitcher, not the catcher, has violated the rule, namely pitching while the catcher is not in his box. If the pitcher waits until he moves into the box, then there will be no infraction.

The only time OBR indicates the catcher must be within his box is on an intentional walk. All other times it says 8 players in fair territory.

[maven]

 

The pitcher, not the catcher, has violated the rule, namely pitching while the catcher is not in his box.

 

Nice try but that's only a balk on an IBB.

 

Whoops. Thought the question concerned that kind of "catcher's balk." As you were...