Hitter Switching Sides

[confidencekills]

I've heard two different versions. Question is can a batter start on one side of the plate and in the same at bat switch to the other side? Do they have to call time, or any other conditions. I've had no issues in the past with this but at a friendly saw an ump tell a coach no go.

[Comp]

The batter can switch sides as many times as they like during an at bat, but the should call time before doing so.

Cant find the exact rule citation at the moment, but, if the pitcher is on the pitching plate and catcher in position to take the pitch and the batter steps across the plate to the other batters box, they will be called out.

[GIMNEPIWO]

The batter can switch sides as many times as they like during an at bat, but the should call time before doing so.

Cant find the exact rule citation at the moment, but, if the pitcher is on the pitching plate and catcher in position to take the pitch and the batter steps across the plate to the other batters box, they will be called out.

In NFHS it would be Rule 7-4-3 " The batter is out for disconcerting the pitcher by stepping out of the box on one side of home plate to the box on the other side of home plate while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch."

In ASA it is Rule 7-3-E " The batter shall not step directly in front of the catcher to the other batter's box while the pitcher is taking the signal or anytime thereafter prior to the release of the pitch. Effect: The ball is dead, the batter is out and runners may not advance "

[UmpSteve]

Everything stated above is true. Just not sure it is complete.

By rule, a pitcher cannot be in position to pitch if a batter isn't yet in a batter's box. the umpire cannot allow a pitch, so the pitcher cannot be ready. So;

If the batter hasn't yet stepped into a batter's box, the batter can go to either batter's box at will between pitches. No time needs to be called, and the batter can go across the front or around the back. Because the rules cited above simply don't apply, YET. Anyone that thinks otherwise hasn't grasped the rule meaning; or it's intent. You can't "change" if you aren't in one first.

But, once a batter has taken a position in the batter's box, those rules cited DO apply, and the batter cannot simply leave the batter's box without requesting (and being GRANTED) time from the plate umpire. If time is granted, the batter can then change. If time isn't granted, the batter leaves the box at risk of the following penalties:
1) If crosses in front, batter is out; rules cited above.
2) If steps out, will likely (almost assuredly) violate the time between pitches rule, resulting in a penalty strike.
3) If crosses behind, but gets to the other box in time, may not be in position when a pitch is thrown; contact made with a pitch when either foot isn't completely in the box from start of pitch until contact is an illegally batted ball, which also results in an out.
4) If the action of stepping out causes the pitcher to stop her motion, no illegal pitch should be called, since caused by an illegal action by the batter. If deemed intentional, batter is subject to ejection from the game for an unsporting act. Following that, expect a coach ejection to follow quickly.

[MTR]

Speaking ASA

Everything stated above is true. Just not sure it is complete.

By rule, a pitcher cannot be in position to pitch if a batter isn't yet in a batter's box. the umpire cannot allow a pitch, so the pitcher cannot be ready. So;

That is simply not true. No where does it require a batter to be in the box for a pitcher to move to a pitching position or take a signal. The only other player on the field that is required to be in a certain place for the pitcher to be in the pitching position is the catcher (6FP.1.B) and, of course, all other defensive players need to be in fair territory.

If the batter hasn't yet stepped into a batter's box, the batter can go to either batter's box at will between pitches. No time needs to be called, and the batter can go across the front or around the back. Because the rules cited above simply don't apply, YET.

Your comment concerning the batter moving to a BB is true, but not for the reason given.

But, once a batter has taken a position in the batter's box, those rules cited DO apply, and the batter cannot simply leave the batter's box without requesting (and being GRANTED) time from the plate umpire. If time is granted, the batter can then change. If time isn't granted, the batter leaves the box at risk of the following penalties:
1) If crosses in front, batter is out; rules cited above.
2) If steps out, will likely (almost assuredly) violate the time between pitches rule, resulting in a penalty strike.

It should be noted that there is no penalty for leaving the BB unless to delay the game between pitches under specific circumstances set forth in 7.3.D. The penalty would be if the batter wasn't prepared to bat within the time frame allowed.

3) If crosses behind, but gets to the other box in time, may not be in position when a pitch is thrown; contact made with a pitch when either foot isn't completely in the box from start of pitch until contact is an illegally batted ball, which also results in an out.

4) If the action of stepping out causes the pitcher to stop her motion, no illegal pitch should be called, since caused by an illegal action by the batter. If deemed intentional, batter is subject to ejection from the game for an unsporting act. Following that, expect a coach ejection to follow quickly.

Disagree. There is no rule preventing a batter from leaving the BB during a pitch. It is not an IP if anyone, including the batter, from the offense commits an act while the ball is live for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher make an illegal pitch. To me, backing out of the box is just a forfeiture of the batter's right to strike the ball. A pitcher should never stop her delivery once started.

[confidencekills]

Thanks for the clarification!