Expert: Geoff - 7/29/2007

Question
Does a batter have the right to remain in a batters box when a ball is hit?  

My question, more specifically, is if a ball is hit straight p, in foul territory, if the batter must leave the batters box so that a fielder can catch the ball?  Is it interference to continue to remain in the box if it hinders the ability of the fielder to field the ball?

Answer
Hi Matt,

Thanks for writing.

The situation you describe should never happen.  If the ball is hit straight up, the batter would have no way of being sure that it would land in foul territory so he should be running to first base.  In doing so he'd be giving the catcher room to field the ball.

Should the batter remain motionless in the batter's box, it would be a judgement call by the umpire to deterine if the batter/ runner was interferring on the play.

I would think the umpire would enforce Rule 6.06(c) and more often than not call the batter out:

6.06
A batter is out for illegal action when --
(c) He interferes with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base.

While the rule says the batter can be called out for "making any other movement", in the situation you describe where the batter should be running to first base, I would apply this rule because his lack of movement "hinders the catcher's play".  Hindering the catcher overrules any right the batter has to remain in the batter's box.

Hope this helps.

Best Wishes,

Geoff