Catcher's Foot Touching Batter's Box?

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Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
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In today's game, we had an illegal pitch called because the plate umpire said that the catcher's foot was touching the batter's box. I have never heard of this before and have never seen it called. The facilities had the batter's boxes marked as well as the designated catcher's box. What is the call?
 
Mar 1, 2016
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NFHS rule 6.3.1 says the catcher shall be inside the lines of the catchers box when the pitcher takes a position to pitch and when the pitch is released. Penalty is an illegal pitch. There isn’t any language that addresses touching or being over the lines like there is for batters, so I would guess the call was right if it was a HS game.


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May 24, 2013
12,461
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So Cal
NFHS rule 6.3.1 says the catcher shall be inside the lines of the catchers box when the pitcher takes a position to pitch and when the pitch is released. Penalty is an illegal pitch. There isn’t any language that addresses touching or being over the lines like there is for batters, so I would guess the call was right if it was a HS game.


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If the rule says "inside the lines", I would interpret that to be touching the line is a violation of the rule.
 
Mar 1, 2016
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If the rule says "inside the lines", I would interpret that to be touching the line is a violation of the rule.

That’s what I say, too. It’s too bad that a catcher would have to learn about this rule the hard way, but it hurts less than getting her hand knocked of by a bat because she was too close.


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May 24, 2013
12,461
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So Cal
That’s what I say, too. It’s too bad that a catcher would have to learn about this rule the hard way, but it hurts less than getting her hand knocked of by a bat because she was too close.


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I teach catchers to position themselves with the batter. If the batter is at the front of the box, the catcher should move as far forward as they can. Knowing that limit is not touching the back line of the batter's box is important info.
 

Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
If the rule says "inside the lines", I would interpret that to be touching the line is a violation of the rule.

The problem in the game Saturday was that this was the 2nd game of a DH and that line wasn't a clear cut line. We did not argue the call. Keep in mind that, until this past season, inside the batter's box included being on that line including most of your foot allowed to have been beyond the line if a the most minute part of the foot being on the white line of the box. Using the same line of reasoning a foot with the majority of the foot inside the catcher's box would be the same.
 
Last edited:
Dec 11, 2010
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The problem in the game Saturday was that this was the 2nd game of a DH and that line wasn't a clear cut line. We did not argue the call. Keep in mind that, until this past season, inside the batter's box included being on that line including most of your foot allowed to have been beyond the line if a the most minute part of the foot being on the white line of the box. Using the same line of reasoning a foot with the majority of the foot inside the catcher's box would be the same.

CB, how many games have you guys played? We hope to get our first game in tomorrow night.
 
Mar 1, 2016
195
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Keep in mind that, until this past season, inside the batter's box included being on that line including most of your foot allowed to have been beyond the line if a the most minute part of the foot being on the white line of the box. Using the same line of reasoning a foot with the majority of the foot inside the catcher's box would be the same.

Totally agree with this logic. However, we can’t use it to argue a call (I know you didn’t) until they print language in the rule book that clarifies like the language for batters. It’s a good thing rules get looked at every year and changes are made when necessary. As a dad of a catcher, I always hate to hear calls like this being made, but it also gives me a chance to remind DD of the little details that make a difference in a game.


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Cannonball

Ex "Expert"
Feb 25, 2009
4,854
113
CB, how many games have you guys played? We hope to get our first game in tomorrow night.

We are 3-1. Right now, we are averaging just at 9 runs per game so, off to a great start. This is more impressive given the teams we have played. Reality will set in this week for us and we'll have to battle some. We have lost a couple of starters for a few games. One's hand looks terrible since she was hit in the hand on a swing. The injury bug has arrived early.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
In today's game, we had an illegal pitch called because the plate umpire said that the catcher's foot was touching the batter's box. I have never heard of this before and have never seen it called. The facilities had the batter's boxes marked as well as the designated catcher's box. What is the call?

The call is correct. However most good umpires will quietly say something to the catcher before calling it on a previous pitch if they are see it happen or even if they are getting really close to the line and it could happen - something simple along the lines of "Make sure you set up in the catcher's box" works. And then if they do it again, then make the call.

It is not a call you need to make unless it is ongoing issue with the catcher. A "I don't want to call it, but I will if you make me"
 

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