Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 10/19/2005

Question
When I first followed baseball, the catcher was permitted to stand wide of the plate to receive 4 balls during an intentional pass. Then the rule changed, (I don't recall when) so that he must stand in the catcher's box and then move to catch the wide pitches. My question is, if the catcher violates the rule and starts out wide of the box, what is the penalty?

Answer
Dave,

The rule is that all defenders (except the catcher) must be in fair territory when the ball is pitched to the batter.  The catcher must be within the lines chalked in behind the batter.

So, until the ball is thrown, the catcher must stay behind home plate.  I don't believe this rule has changed any time recently.

There is no penalty, the play just can't commence with a fielder in an incorrect position.  So any pitch would be a dead ball and no play.

Hope this helps!

Brian