Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 9/21/2006

Question
Brian - Here is my question: I know that when a batter steps out of the box (e.g., steps on the plate) when hitting a ball, s/he is automatically out.

My question is, if there are runners on base, are they allowed to advance? Extreme example, if the batter steps on home plate while hitting the ball over the fence, are the base runners allowed to score?

This has come up a couple of times in games I've played in and coached. I looked in the MLB rule book, and it seems to be silent on the issue, merely declaring that the batter is out for "illegal action."


Answer
Brian,

As soon as the batter steps out of the box, the ball is dead, the batter is out, and runners have to return to their bases.

Typically on most interference and unusual calls like this, the ball is dead, so no further play can continue.

Hope this helps!

Brian