Deathwysh wrote:
Baron von tarv wrote:
I was wondering if any baseball player ever attempted anything equally audacious either switching his batting or pitching stance last second to generate all around confusion?
Yes, that's been tried. I don't recall the details of the incident, and can tell you that it was definitely NOT tried after the pitcher had started his motion.
But it is in the rules now that a player must bat from only one side of the plate, unless there is a change of pitchers during his at bat, in which case he can switch to the other side, if he so desires.
Yeah. While it's not like I've read the whole MLB rulebook or anything, my understanding is that if the batter leaves the batter's box before the pitcher begins his throw (perhaps even steps on the plate), the pitcher isn't allowed to pitch (ie: you can step back, stretch, grab your crotch, spit, etc, and the pitcher can't toss one in while you're doing it). Once the batter is "set", the pitcher may pitch, at which point the batter can't leave the box. Not sure what the penalty is if he does, but it's a violation of the rules.
I would assume that crossing the plate would be considered leaving the batter's box. I believe, however, that a switch hitter can switch at any point. He just has to step into an "set" into the appropriate batter's box. Point being that you can't "fool" the pitcher into thinking you're batting one way. He's going to know prior to starting his pitch which side you're hitting on.
I just remember from pitching in little league that there were specific rules to the timing of pitchers and batters. The pitcher is allowed to move around (stretch, scratch himself, spit, etc) all he wants. But once he puts a foot on the rubber, he's considered to be starting his throw. At that point, he cannot make any move that looks like he's throwing without actually throwing (exception being if a runner tries to steal a base). His movements are restricted at that point, and he's subject to a penalty (baulk) if he moves incorrectly. So the usual progression is that the pitcher mills about on the mound (scratching and spitting), while the batter is getting himself ready. Once the batter gets positioned in the box and is "set", then the pitcher steps onto the rubber. At that point, he's indicated that he's going to pitch, and must either pitch, or make a clear movement to step off the rubber without pitching (like if he calls a conference with the catcher, wants to talk to the coach, or just wants to scratch himself some more).
If the pitcher steps off the rubber without pitching, the batter is free to also step out of the batter's box, allowing this little dance to continue.
Yeah. Baseball is boring. Not so much as Cricket, but close...