Baseball Instruction/Position in batte'rs box

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Expert: - 7/17/2008


Question
In junior league or any other league for that matter is there a rule that states that the batter must have both feet inside the batter's box prior to the pitch?  Just wondering because I thought that this was a rule but tonight's umpire said that it is not a rule.  The other team had kids standing with their forward foot out of the box and in the playing area because their coach told them it was the only way they could hit our pitcher.

Answer
Jerry,

Rule 6.03 states that "the batter’s legal position shall be both feet within the batter's box."  

Remember that the lines of the box constitute the box, and the batters entire foot must be outside the box before this becomes a violation.  

For example, half of the batter's foot is outside the box.  He is still considered inside the box.  However, lets say that his entire foot is on home plate, then he would be in violation of this rule, and the umpire will instruct him to take a stance in the box.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have any more, please don't hesitate to ask!

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

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Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

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