Expert: Andrew Mullins - 5/15/2011

Question
If the first baseman is standing with one or both feet out of bounds when the pitcher releases a fair pitch to the plate, I was told the runners advance as if a balk. True or no and if so, can you quote the rule. Thanks a mill for all you do her at this site.

Answer
Good morning....

You are correct, it's a rule that many are not aware of, even coaches....I actually called it a few years ago in the championship NAIA game in Salinas, Ohio....

I don't have the rule number at hand, but the rule states that all players, other than the catcher have to be in fair territory at the time of the pitch....The catcher must remain in the box though.

That's why the catcher has to stay in the "box" until the pitch is released on a pitch-out.  If he steps out, then it's a balk contributed to the catcher not the pitcher.  Therefore, the first & third basemen have to have BOTH feet inside the fair/foul line at the itch or it's a balk w/ runners on base.

Great question, thanks for asking...

Andy

If this helped, please rate me positively, if not please advise me ASAP....