What is the penalty if the batter switches batters boxes while the pitcher is on the rubber starting her pitching motion? Had one umpire say strike unless she contacts the ball while out of the box, then it is a out. Had another say the batter is out for illegally switching batters boxes once the pitcher in in her wind up. Thanks
Switching Batters boxes
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ASA 7-3-D If a batter leaves the box and delays play for any reason other than 8 items listed Effect: the ball is dead, the umpire may warn the batter or call a strike. Any number of warnings and called strikes may be given
ASA 7-3-E The batter shall not step directly in front of the catcher to the other batter's box while the pitcher is taking the signal or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch. Effect ball is dead, batter is out.
7-3-F After the ball is live the batter may not step out of the batters box to stop play unless time has been granted by the ump. Effect All play shall continue, the pitch will be judged a ball or strike.
so it depends on the situation of when and how the batter changed boxes.
ASA 7-3-E The batter shall not step directly in front of the catcher to the other batter's box while the pitcher is taking the signal or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch. Effect ball is dead, batter is out.
7-3-F After the ball is live the batter may not step out of the batters box to stop play unless time has been granted by the ump. Effect All play shall continue, the pitch will be judged a ball or strike.
so it depends on the situation of when and how the batter changed boxes.
My immediate thought is ASA 7-3-E; The batter shall not step directly in front of the catcher to the other batter's box while the pitcher is taking the signal or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch. Effect ball is dead, batter is out.
This assumes that the batter did step across the plate in front of the catcher. If the batter backed out of the batter's box and walked behind the catcher (and umpire), one of the other two rules posted would apply....
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ASA 7-3-E applies here. Batter walked right across home plate and stood in the other box when the pitcher started her wind up. She was a 12u lefty slapper that also hit right for power.
