Catcher throwing to 3B on a steal attempt....

......hey folks, I heard some folks discussing this gig today a ballgame and wonder what the Fishbuddies think here....

....runner on 2b tries to steal 3b, righthanded batter in the box, ...does the catcher step behind the batter or in front of the batter to throw to 3b and why?

No dog in the hunt just an observer who kept quiet (i know, me quiet, huh!) but I just listened long enough to post this thread.

Hook the catchers up TBR.

 

catcher

Step behind the batter, it is a quicker throw and if the batter steps out of the box (like most do) than you could get an interference call

 

Catcher

We had this a couple of weeks ago -- runner on second stole and catcher went to throw behind the batter -- batter stepped out and catcher drilled her in the ear hole -- ump wouldn't call it. My argument was that batter interference he said "thats what they are suppose to do" refering to stepping out -- my response was that she is only entitled to the box -- he wouldn't change the call but I still say interference

 

In front...

That is why, IMO, they should throw in front of the batter. I think it is more natural for the catcher to take one step forward to clear the batter and fire the ball than to think about stepping backwards and avoiding the batter. And like the ump said, more times than not girls are taught to get out of the box so they will clear the path anyway.

 

....I hear ya. But getting out of the box as a batter is a no-no.....as long as the ump understands the rule. We had this type gig in Kinston, TB, 10 years ago, (batter out of the box interference) and it was a trip then too.

I'll ask my ? again, whats the best way for the catcher to come out of her position to throw out a runner stealing 3b and why.

Thanks JavCat

FishPal

 

What do you think this is Fishman - Survivor Softball??? The batters box is an immunity challenge..

 

where's the batter

i believe the catcher should know how to go both in front of the batter and behind the batter. Some girls bat in the front of the box and some stand way back in the back of the box.

 

.....well, I'm the survivor on this one. A batter has the right to stay in the box in this situation. And if she backs out of the batters box, THEN intereference can be called.
Odd?...yes, but one thing is for sure, if you my brother, or me , or any of us don't know all the rules then we can't argue against an umps call.
Now getting the ump to follow us is another matter.
Knowing all the rules is impossible and that sucks ..but it makes TBR so important for discussions like this.

Experience like you have is what raises the bar for our kids.

Thanks CMMPal for valuable, knowledgable, and intersting posts!

Fishbrother

 

I agree with Javelin. When my DD was catching she used her mitt arm to physically clear the batter when necessary as she was setting to throw.

 

Learn both

The idea is to throw the runner out, not nail the batter and hope the ump makes the right call. I was a catcher and would step forward with the right foot, step to 3rd with left foot, use your left arm to shield from batter and throw to the base. It is easier than this sounds and you don't have to worry about throwing through the batter.

If the batter attempts a bunt, then the best bet is to step behind the batter because their(batter) momentum is going forward.