Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/30/2009

Question
Andrew- Here is the situation in a Babe Ruth game.  There is a right handed batter with a runner on 2nd.  The runner attempts to steal 3rd and the batter, as the catcher attempts to throw, stays in the box but makes no attempt to get out of the way of the catcher (you could even make an argument that the batter moved to impede the catcher's throw).  I thought the rule was that the batter had to make an effort to get out of the catchers' way and ensure that the batter did not impede the throw.  Am I correct and what is the recourse for the batter and runner (I think the batter is out and the runner returns to 2nd).

Answer
The batter's box always belongs to the batter....He can do anything he wishes as long as he stays in the box.....No rule book says you have to move nor make an effort to move.  The box is his.....

The catcher must move around him...always.

Good luck.

Andy