BATTER LEAVES THE BOX BETWEEN PITCHES
1. Once the batter enters the batter’s box, he must keep one foot inside
the box unless:
a. he swings at a pitch;
b. he is forced out of the box by a pitch;
c. the pitcher with the ball leaves the dirt portion of the mound or positions
himself on the mound farther than five feet from the rubber;
d. the catcher leaves his box to give defensive signals or adjust his equipment;
e. anyone is granted time;
f. he attempts a drag bunt;
g. the catcher does not catch the pitch;
h. the catcher or pitcher feints or attempts a play anywhere.
PENALTY: The umpire shall call a strike, and the ball remains alive. (The
defense could attempt a pick-off play, for example.)
2. After leaving the box legally: The rule places no constraints on
the batter.
Note: Umpires often learn the rule by remembering when the batter may not leave
the box: He may not leave the box between pitches without penalty whenever the
umpire calls a strike or a ball. (That statement assumes, of course, that none
of the actions described in (b) through (h) occurred.)
Note: The OBR has no such rule. The NCAA rule is essentially the same except:
When the batter leaves the box legally, he must remain on the dirt area at the
plate unless there is a substitution or time is called, when he may go onto
the grass.
FED BATTING RULES
• Batter leaves the box between pitches
• Batting out of order
• Batter interference with the catcher
• Designated Hitter
• Hit by pitch
• Illegal bat
• Hits while out of box
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