When a team intenually walks a batter. Why does the catcher stand behind the plate with his arm stuck out and the pitcher strows the ball outside the plate. Why don't he just stand outside the plate and play catch with the pitcher for 4 balls.
2007-08-10 03:44:03 · 12 answers · asked by roost2 3 in Sports ➔ Baseball
The catcher has to stay in the catcher's box until the pitch is thrown. That's why he stands behind the plate with his arm out, then jumps out to catch the ball once the pitcher makes his delivery.
Otherwise, the pitcher would be called for a balk under Rule 8.05L:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/pitcher_8.jsp
2007-08-10 03:47:59 · answer #1 · answered by Craig S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In reference to Michael P's reponse, you cannot do that because of the "what if" factor. Intentionally walking isn't a sinch, that's why some pitchers struggle with it. You can't skip over it because there could be a wild pitch in which case all runners can advance or the batter can go to 2nd base if its far enough away on ball 4. Also the pitch can get too close to the plate and the batter can hit the ball when the defense isn't paying attention like Miguel Cabrera last year against the Orioles. Some high school/summer leagues do have that where you can just tell the umpire you want to walk a batter and not throw the 4 pitches.
2007-08-10 11:10:52 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they catcher stands behind the plate then moves out because if the catcher just stood behind the plate the batter might swing, or if there were runners on 2nd or 3rd base and it went over the catchers head the base runners could score. The catcher's hand is held out to show the pitcher were to throw the ball. Also if the catcher moved out of the box behind the plate, it would be a balk.
hope this helps!!!
2007-08-10 11:00:40 · answer #3 · answered by snowflake93t 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The catcher must be in the "catcher's box" an area directly behind the plate when the pitch is thrown. He may then leave the box to catch the ball. If he is outside the box to begin with or leaves too early (which is never called) it's a Balk on the catcher and the baserunners advance.
And, since presumably you call for the intentional walk while runners are on base, it would really hurt the situation.
2007-08-10 10:49:39 · answer #4 · answered by GPC 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
If the catcher stands anywhere close to the plate, the hitter can still reach it and get hits. I've seen it happen in a game on television in this type of play, George Brett of the Royals took one that was close to the plate and lined it into center field for a single
2007-08-10 11:12:31 · answer #5 · answered by KTM07 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the catcher steps out from behind the plate before the pitcher throws the ball, it is considered a balk and runners on base advance 1 base.
2007-08-10 10:47:54 · answer #6 · answered by BOSTONboy 4 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Catchers actually have there own designated box they must set up in. Kinda like a batters box for a catcher. They aren't able to go outside of that box until the pitch is released.
2007-08-10 10:48:07 · answer #7 · answered by m_torres10 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The catcher has to remain in his box until the pitcher throws the ball. Standing up and throwing outside the reach of the batter insures he will not try (usually) to hit that ball.
2007-08-10 10:52:06 · answer #8 · answered by Elaine S 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
the catcher must stand inside the catcher's box untill the pitch is released.
2007-08-10 10:56:13 · answer #9 · answered by michael p 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The catcher must stand in the catchers box because if he didn't it would be a balk.
2007-08-10 11:55:21 · answer #10 · answered by Canes & Bruins 09-10 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋