There is a rule that says you have to have 9 guys in the field, and 8 can be in fair territory. But with noone on base, and less than 2 strikes, is there any rule to stop you from putting your catcher 1 foot in foul territory in left field?
Practically speaking, I expect the problem is the umpire would suddenly start viewing every single pitch as a ball, but I'm wondering if there is a firm rule on this.
2006-07-25 04:27:12 · 10 answers · asked by dpawson 4 in Sports ➔ Baseball
While the catcher is the only player who isn't in fair territory, he must still stay within the catcher's box.
If not, they call a Catcher's Balk.
Rule 4.03a
"The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given an intentional base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. Penalty: balk." This balk, known as the catcher's balk, is charged to the pitcher.
2006-07-25 04:33:42 · answer #1 · answered by Jon T. 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
When the game was invented in about 1864, give or take a few years, the creators based the game on cricket, the British form of baseball. In cricket, there is always a receiver behind the plate. So when the game was invented, the inventors made it a rule that there needs to be a catcher behind the plate.
Besides that, it would be completely pointless! I mean, what's the point of putting your catcher out in left field. The catcher has responsibilities even when there are no runners on base. On a ground ball, the catcher is supposed to run to first base to back up an errant throw. If there is a third strike with a catcher in left field, the batter gets at least one free base because there is nobody to throw him out. If there is a bunt, who is going to throw the runner out if the bunt is close to home? If the runner gets a triple and the third baseman misses the ball, who's going to cover home? The pitcher won't, he's backing up the throw to third. If there's a pop up behind the plate, who the heck is going to catch it?
I'm not actually sure that there is a rule keeping the catcher behind the plate, but as I just stated, It would be completely pointless.
2006-07-25 12:28:37 · answer #2 · answered by vincanity 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure you wouldn't get too many strike calls if each pitch was bouncing off the umpire...
2006-07-25 16:38:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is a catchers box, which he must be in until the ball reaches home plate
2006-07-25 11:32:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can as long as it isn't during a pitch. But it is pointless.
2006-07-25 13:38:58 · answer #5 · answered by metsfan988 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It would be pretty easy to steal bases once you got on as well.
2006-07-25 11:44:11 · answer #6 · answered by Lefty 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This would be so unpractical. I'm not sure I even understand the question.
2006-07-25 12:12:16 · answer #7 · answered by dukeblueforlife 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how would the ball get back to the pitcher?
2006-07-25 11:31:37 · answer #8 · answered by fjrnj 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i'm with frank on this... how would the ball get back to the picture???
2006-07-25 13:47:08 · answer #9 · answered by cripplet_99 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is really a stupid question. How can you play without a catcher? Duh....
2006-07-25 12:53:54 · answer #10 · answered by Dusty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋