Where should a batter be?

.....ok, runner on 2b, RH batter in the box, baserunner steals 3b, batter never moves in or out of the box. ....now....been there done that folks and I thought I knew the right call, ...anyway, after the inning the ump called over the 3b coach and told him that the batter must get out of the way....I always thought that a batter has to be in the box to NOT interfere with a throw. Whats up? And if a throw to 3b is called to be "interfered with" who is out?...the batter or the runner?

 

Attempt

Have always understood it to be you must make an attempt to get out of the way...duck, back up, something. I think, prob wrong, that the batter would be out, runner back to second....

Windmiller????

 

Straight From the Horses Mouth

http://www.ncaa.org/library/rules/2007/2007_softball_rules.pdf

Interference by Batter (formerly Rule 9-8)​

​

​

b. The batter shall not hinder the catcher or any other fielder from catching
or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter’s box, or intentionally
hinder a player (e.g., on a steal/pickoff throw or a play at the plate) while
standing within the batter’s box.​

EFFECT—The ball is dead, the batter is out, and each runner must
return to the last base that, in the umpire’s judgment, was
legally touched at the time of the interference.​

Exceptions:​

1. If a runner is advancing to home plate and there are fewer
than two outs, the runner, instead of the batter, is out. The
ball is dead.​

146 RULE 11 / BATTING​

2. If the batter strikes out and interferes with the catcher’s
attempt to throw out a runner, the runner also is out. The
ball is dead.
3. If the catcher is not making a play on a base runner but
the batter interferes with the catcher's return throw to the
pitcher and the runner advances safely, the umpire should
call time and return the runner(s) to the base occupied at
the time of the accidental interference.​

Notes:
1. The batter’s box is not a sanctuary for the batter when a play is being made
at the plate.
2. If the catcher or her throw to a base hits the batter or her bat while she is in
the batter’s box, the ball is live and there is no interference unless the contact
is intentional and initiated by the batter.​

 

Stay in the box

Unless the batter is intentionally interfering, (i.e. watched the catcher make the catch then purposely stepped into her path to prevent the play) the catcher will have an opportunity to select her path to make the throw because she knows where the batter is. If the batter leaves the box, trying to get out of the way, the Ump can and should still call interference.

 

OK pitchingcoach, you type faster than me LOL

 

I have permanent stitches on my neck from this play. Catcher dropped the ball, runner was advancing to third: I figured he didn't have a chance to get the runner, so I didn't pay attention to the catcher and....plunk....went down like I was shot.

The only thing my coach said was, "Alright, now drive 'em in"

 

Of course...after milking the sympathy meter because my GF was at the game.

 

Well PCoach, you cleared......

....this thread/answer with ease. Staying in the box appears to be the place to be as long as the batter "tries" to avoid a conflict.

 

I Don't Have All The Answers......

But I know where to look....If I could only remember what I have learned. Thats what happens when you get older.