Situation #8: Batting Positions

            In addition to all his other duties, the plate umpire must be aware of where the batter’s feet are when he makes contact with the ball.

            In this first illustration, the batter’s right foot is touching the plate and the line defining the batter’s box when contact is made. This is a legal batting position.

            In this second example, his right foot is partially on the line and partially outside the batter’s box when contact with the ball is made. This is a legal batting position.

            And, in this third illustration, his right foot is entirely outside the box when the contact occurs. “Time” should be called and the batter declared out as soon as he makes contact with the ball. It does not matter whether the batted ball is fair, foul, or simply a foul tip. If the ball is touched when the batter has at least one foot on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box, he shall be called out immediately.