Expert: Andrew Mullins - 6/9/2009

Question
    I have a son who plays little league and when he stands at home plate,to bat, he sets his front foot by the middle corner of home plate (before it starts the "v" at the back) and his back foot ends up somewhere behind the plate. When he swings he does step forward. The question is that on his last game the opposing coach was arguing that he was standing to far behind the plate and that was the reason why the catcher's mitt was struck twice, when he swung at the ball. Is there a rule on how far back you have to stand at the plate?

Answer
Not on how far back, but you said behind the plate....That's a 17" area reserved for the pitcher & catcher.....A straight line is drawn from each side of the pitcher's rubber to each side of the plate.

If a batter is standing within this "area" he is in violation & should be called out if he contacts the ball.  On the other matter, anytime a catcher makes contact w/ the bat, then he is charged w/ interference.  The catcher can move back all he wants, even 6-8 feet.  So it's his responsibility to avoid the batter.

Great question, Thanks, Andy

If I have confused you on the 17" call me...423.605.3035