- Jun 22, 2008
- 3,438
- 48
Wow. I've always heard that the answers you get from Little League Headquarters can vary wildly...depending on which janitor happens to answer the phone that day.
LL rules do not support either of the "rulings" you were given.
I have recently heard that LL now has a Facebook page. Maybe you could post your question there and get an answer from actual experienced umpires.
My ruling...If a batter sets up prior to the pitch and a foot is outside the batter's box...Umpire should not allow a pitch to be thrown. Suspend play and instruct the batter to properly position themselves within the box. Resume play once the batter is properly positioned.
There is no rule for calling a batter out because his foot is outside the box, or touching the plate, prior to the pitch...or, after the pitch for that matter, if the pitch is not hit.
You are missing the ramifications. The batter is required to take their position in the BB and be prepared to bat within 10 seconds. While you are holding the pitcher waiting for the batter, that clock is running. If necessary, the umpire can call a strike every 10 seconds. Usually the first strike solves any issue.