Catcher's Box

[RedDirtDad]

What is the ruling for catcher set up on the outside of homeplate, where one foot is in line with homeplate but other foot is way outside? Does catcher have to be between the inside lines of batter's box? My understanding is yes, catcher has to be set up that way, but as pitch is underway, catcher can re-set outside. Thanks!

[Comp]

You are thinking of a baseball catchers box. Softball catchers box is gigantic, 8 1/2' X 10'. Width of both batters boxes by 10' deep.

[RedDirtDad]

So what you're saying then is catcher could have free range to set up anywhere within the 8 1/2' X 10' box with no feet behind homeplate. That doesn't sound right.

[Comp]

So what you're saying then is catcher could have free range to set up anywhere within the 8 1/2' X 10' box with no feet behind homeplate. That doesn't sound right.

Yep, thats exactly what Im saying. In fact, rules supplements in ASA and FED rules also allow the catcher to move forward in front of the line if the batter is up in the front of the box.

[MTR]

Yep, thats exactly what Im saying. In fact, rules supplements in ASA and FED rules also allow the catcher to move forward in front of the line if the batter is up in the front of the box.

This is the important part. The catcher is allowed to move forward of the CB if the batter seems to be up in the box, but the catcher is still required to avoid obstructing the batter's ability to hit the ball.

[tcannizzo]

... but is in definite violation if F2's glove is over any part of HP...

[MTR]

... but is in definite violation if F2's glove is over any part of HP...

Not if they do not obstruct or deny the batter the opportunity to hit the ball.

[zenmaster]

We had an umpire tell us last week that the catcher must be behind the line before the pitch is released even if the batter moved up in the box. He said if not it's an illegal pitch. I've never heard that before, and from what I'm reading here, it isn't true.

[HugoTafurst]

... but is in definite violation if F2's glove is over any part of HP...

Can you give a reference for that?
I have heard it mentioned before, but haven't found where it is an IP (given the batter being up in the box) or obstruction - unless F2 actually does obstruct)

[tcannizzo]

No, all I have is RS #8.
Could have been a discussion on another board last fall.
And I know it was being discussed at a local tourney because a PU told F2 to move back into the CB and the PU was criticized for it.