Batter's Box Rule
Also known as: batter's box rule, stepping out of the box, foot out of the batter's box, batter's box lines, leaving the batter's box
A batter who hits the ball, fair or foul, with a foot on the ground entirely outside the batter's box is out. That is MLB Rule 6.03(a)(1) and NFHS Rule 7-3-2. The chalk lines belong to the box. A foot touching a line is legal. High school rules also call a batter out for making contact with a foot on home plate.
The key word is entirely. A shoe partly over the chalk, or resting on it, still counts as inside. A shoe planted completely past it when bat meets ball ends the at-bat, and the ball is dead. MLB's comment adds that a hitter cannot jump or step across to reach a pitch. Umpires watch for this during intentional walks.
Both rulebooks also say to keep one foot inside during the at-bat. The exceptions include swinging, being forced out by an inside pitch, a granted time-out and a play on a runner. In high school, leaving without an exception and delaying the game costs a strike. In MLB, the first violation in a game brings a warning.
High school rules add one more way to be called out. NFHS Rule 7-3-3 covers stepping from one side of the plate to the other while the pitcher is set. When the chalk gets rubbed away early in a game, the edges become a judgment call.
Tips by skill level
Set up so your stride lands inside the lines. Ask the umpire for time before stepping out.
If you crowd the plate or step toward it, check on video that your front shoe lands inside the chalk on outside pitches.
Example
A hitter reaches for a pitch way outside and plants his front shoe past the chalk. He fouls it off. The umpire calls him out because that shoe was entirely outside the lines at contact.
Why it matters
Knowing where the legal area ends keeps hitters from giving away outs. It also explains strikes charged for stepping out between pitches.
Common mistakes
- Thinking a shoe on the chalk is outside
- Lunging across the plate at outside pitches
- Stepping out between pitches without asking for time
- Switching sides while the pitcher is set
Frequently asked questions
Are you out if you step out of the box when you hit it?
Yes, if your foot is on the ground entirely outside the lines when you make contact, fair or foul. A foot on the chalk still counts as inside.
Is the line part of the batter's box?
Yes. MLB rules say the lines are within the box. A foot touching the line is legal.
Can you step out of the batter's box between pitches?
Only in listed cases, such as after a swing or when time is granted. Otherwise keep one foot in. High school umpires can charge a strike for delay.
Sources
Related terms
- Batting StanceA good batting stance is balanced and relaxed. Set your feet a little wider than your shoulders, bend your knees slightly and keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Hold your hands near the back shoulder with both eyes level on the pitcher. Square, open and closed setups all work if you land balanced and on time.
- Stepping in the BucketStepping in the bucket means the front foot strides away from the plate instead of toward the pitcher. For a right-handed hitter it steps toward third base, and for a lefty toward first. It opens the front shoulder and hips early and leaves outside pitches out of reach. Fix it by striding toward the pitcher and dealing with any fear of the ball behind it.
- On-Deck and At-Bat RoutineAn on-deck and at-bat routine is a short, repeatable set of steps that gets a hitter ready to swing. On deck, many hitters time the pitcher, take a few loose swings and set a plan for the count. In the box, a breath, a look at the coach and a set stance reset focus before every pitch.
- Drag BuntA drag bunt is a bunt started while already moving toward first base, usually by a lefty. It aims to beat out a hit, not sacrifice an out.
- Hit by Pitch RuleA batter touched by a pitch he is not swinging at gets first base, with exceptions. Under MLB Rule 5.05(b)(2), there is no base award if the ball was in the strike zone or the batter made no attempt to avoid it. NFHS high school rules award the base unless the batter lets the ball hit him. If the batter swings, it is a strike.
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