The Batters Box

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

[Jatalk]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

Think of it this way. Our whole life is inside a box. Stay in the box you’ll be ok. Flirt with crossing the line you might get away with it. Cross the line you go to jail.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

Think of it this way. Our whole life is inside a box. Stay in the box you’ll be ok. Flirt with crossing the line you might get away with it. Cross the line you go to jail.

Yea, when you frame it that way.

Another thought. All of us have taken 50 million swings at a ball on a field with no batters box- practice, sand lot, etc.

We never had an issue with home or any other part of the game with those lines missing.

[OldRed]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

And just think a hitter has two balls on him before he ever gets into that box to hit.

[sikeston bulldog2]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

And just think a hitter has two balls on him before he ever gets into that box to hit.

But it’s true. Endless games of ball have been played with lines, and in many cases, no real home plate. Maybe a chunk of wood for home.

Never a violation. Yet. In pros, a restrictive rectangle. I think it’s got more to do with the artistry on the field, connecting lines, than it does in game practicality.

Never liked the lines.

[12xu]

Most batters are not going to purposely get closer to the pitcher than is restricted by the front of the box, but here is an interesting story I read many years ago:

Hank Aaron and the home run that wasn’t vs. Cardinals

Hank Aaron could have added to his home run total if not for an unusual call in a game against the Cardinals.

Aaron, who would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714 in 1974 and finish with 755, hit a home run against the Cardinals in 1965 that didn’t count toward his total.

On Aug. 18, 1965, at St. Louis, Aaron came to bat for the Braves against Cardinals starter Curt Simmons with the score tied 3-3 in the eighth.

In his autobiography, “I Had a Hammer,” Aaron said, “I always had difficulty with Curt Simmons because he would put the ball behind his back and then pound his leg with his glove. You never knew where the ball was coming from. Simmons used to drive me crazy with his herky-jerky delivery and his floating change of pace.”

In the 1965 game, Simmons teased Aaron with a changeup so high and so slow it seemed much like a blooper pitch. “I double-hitched my swing,” Aaron said in his book, “and took a big step up to meet the ball.”

Aaron lifted a high fly ball onto the pavilion roof in right for an apparent go-ahead home run.

Instead, Aaron was called out by plate umpire Chris Pelekoudas for being out of the batter’s box when he connected with the ball, nullifying the home run. Pelekoudas, in his sixth season as a National League umpire, ruled Aaron’s left foot was in front of the batter’s box.

“It’s the worst call I’ve ever seen,” Aaron said to the Associated Press. “I did the same thing the time before and popped up, and he (Pelekoudas) didn’t say a word. I always hit Simmons that way.”

Braves manager Bobby Bragan argued with the umpire and was ejected.

“It was either a grudge call, or he wanted to get his name in the paper,” Bragan said. “I’ve never seen such a call.”

Said Pelekoudas: “Bragan’s protest was strictly on judgment. His only argument was about a grudge _ and that is stupid. I didn’t hesitate in making the call.”

Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver said Aaron stepped out of the box and, “I expected (Pelekoudas) to call it.”

Cardinals coach Joe Schultz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “You’ve got to give the umpire credit for having the nerve to call it.”

Aaron said in his book, ‘I won’t swear to you that I didn’t step over the line of the batter’s box, but it was nothing that I or other hitters hadn’t done before.”

[12xu]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

And just think a hitter has two balls on him before he ever gets into that box to hit.

- now that's a good one, Red!!

[RamFan08NY]

Depends on the pitcher. Often times moving up in the box allows the hitter to swing at the ball before the bottom falls out of it.

[12xu]

Depends on the pitcher. Often times moving up in the box allows the hitter to swing at the ball before the bottom falls out of it.

Yes, with some of these sweepers you see nowadays, it might be an advantage to move up in the box to hit that pitch before it goes too far away from the plate.

[OldRed]

This may be one reason:

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Bi ... 184dff8590

[butsir01]

Most batters are not going to purposely get closer to the pitcher than is restricted by the front of the box, but here is an interesting story I read many years ago:

Hank Aaron and the home run that wasn’t vs. Cardinals

Hank Aaron could have added to his home run total if not for an unusual call in a game against the Cardinals.

Aaron, who would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714 in 1974 and finish with 755, hit a home run against the Cardinals in 1965 that didn’t count toward his total.

On Aug. 18, 1965, at St. Louis, Aaron came to bat for the Braves against Cardinals starter Curt Simmons with the score tied 3-3 in the eighth.

In his autobiography, “I Had a Hammer,” Aaron said, “I always had difficulty with Curt Simmons because he would put the ball behind his back and then pound his leg with his glove. You never knew where the ball was coming from. Simmons used to drive me crazy with his herky-jerky delivery and his floating change of pace.”

In the 1965 game, Simmons teased Aaron with a changeup so high and so slow it seemed much like a blooper pitch. “I double-hitched my swing,” Aaron said in his book, “and took a big step up to meet the ball.”

Aaron lifted a high fly ball onto the pavilion roof in right for an apparent go-ahead home run.

Instead, Aaron was called out by plate umpire Chris Pelekoudas for being out of the batter’s box when he connected with the ball, nullifying the home run. Pelekoudas, in his sixth season as a National League umpire, ruled Aaron’s left foot was in front of the batter’s box.

“It’s the worst call I’ve ever seen,” Aaron said to the Associated Press. “I did the same thing the time before and popped up, and he (Pelekoudas) didn’t say a word. I always hit Simmons that way.”

Braves manager Bobby Bragan argued with the umpire and was ejected.

“It was either a grudge call, or he wanted to get his name in the paper,” Bragan said. “I’ve never seen such a call.”

Said Pelekoudas: “Bragan’s protest was strictly on judgment. His only argument was about a grudge _ and that is stupid. I didn’t hesitate in making the call.”

Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver said Aaron stepped out of the box and, “I expected (Pelekoudas) to call it.”

Cardinals coach Joe Schultz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “You’ve got to give the umpire credit for having the nerve to call it.”

Aaron said in his book, ‘I won’t swear to you that I didn’t step over the line of the batter’s box, but it was nothing that I or other hitters hadn’t done before.”

Thanks, 12, I was listening to this game and remember the call. Simmons drove Bad Henry nuts with slow stuff.

[OldRed]

Most batters are not going to purposely get closer to the pitcher than is restricted by the front of the box, but here is an interesting story I read many years ago:

Hank Aaron and the home run that wasn’t vs. Cardinals

Hank Aaron could have added to his home run total if not for an unusual call in a game against the Cardinals.

Aaron, who would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714 in 1974 and finish with 755, hit a home run against the Cardinals in 1965 that didn’t count toward his total.

On Aug. 18, 1965, at St. Louis, Aaron came to bat for the Braves against Cardinals starter Curt Simmons with the score tied 3-3 in the eighth.

In his autobiography, “I Had a Hammer,” Aaron said, “I always had difficulty with Curt Simmons because he would put the ball behind his back and then pound his leg with his glove. You never knew where the ball was coming from. Simmons used to drive me crazy with his herky-jerky delivery and his floating change of pace.”

In the 1965 game, Simmons teased Aaron with a changeup so high and so slow it seemed much like a blooper pitch. “I double-hitched my swing,” Aaron said in his book, “and took a big step up to meet the ball.”

Aaron lifted a high fly ball onto the pavilion roof in right for an apparent go-ahead home run.

Instead, Aaron was called out by plate umpire Chris Pelekoudas for being out of the batter’s box when he connected with the ball, nullifying the home run. Pelekoudas, in his sixth season as a National League umpire, ruled Aaron’s left foot was in front of the batter’s box.

“It’s the worst call I’ve ever seen,” Aaron said to the Associated Press. “I did the same thing the time before and popped up, and he (Pelekoudas) didn’t say a word. I always hit Simmons that way.”

Braves manager Bobby Bragan argued with the umpire and was ejected.

“It was either a grudge call, or he wanted to get his name in the paper,” Bragan said. “I’ve never seen such a call.”

Said Pelekoudas: “Bragan’s protest was strictly on judgment. His only argument was about a grudge _ and that is stupid. I didn’t hesitate in making the call.”

Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver said Aaron stepped out of the box and, “I expected (Pelekoudas) to call it.”

Cardinals coach Joe Schultz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “You’ve got to give the umpire credit for having the nerve to call it.”

Aaron said in his book, ‘I won’t swear to you that I didn’t step over the line of the batter’s box, but it was nothing that I or other hitters hadn’t done before.”

I remember listening to that game.

[12xu]

Most batters are not going to purposely get closer to the pitcher than is restricted by the front of the box, but here is an interesting story I read many years ago:

Hank Aaron and the home run that wasn’t vs. Cardinals

Hank Aaron could have added to his home run total if not for an unusual call in a game against the Cardinals.

Aaron, who would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714 in 1974 and finish with 755, hit a home run against the Cardinals in 1965 that didn’t count toward his total.

On Aug. 18, 1965, at St. Louis, Aaron came to bat for the Braves against Cardinals starter Curt Simmons with the score tied 3-3 in the eighth.

In his autobiography, “I Had a Hammer,” Aaron said, “I always had difficulty with Curt Simmons because he would put the ball behind his back and then pound his leg with his glove. You never knew where the ball was coming from. Simmons used to drive me crazy with his herky-jerky delivery and his floating change of pace.”

In the 1965 game, Simmons teased Aaron with a changeup so high and so slow it seemed much like a blooper pitch. “I double-hitched my swing,” Aaron said in his book, “and took a big step up to meet the ball.”

Aaron lifted a high fly ball onto the pavilion roof in right for an apparent go-ahead home run.

Instead, Aaron was called out by plate umpire Chris Pelekoudas for being out of the batter’s box when he connected with the ball, nullifying the home run. Pelekoudas, in his sixth season as a National League umpire, ruled Aaron’s left foot was in front of the batter’s box.

“It’s the worst call I’ve ever seen,” Aaron said to the Associated Press. “I did the same thing the time before and popped up, and he (Pelekoudas) didn’t say a word. I always hit Simmons that way.”

Braves manager Bobby Bragan argued with the umpire and was ejected.

“It was either a grudge call, or he wanted to get his name in the paper,” Bragan said. “I’ve never seen such a call.”

Said Pelekoudas: “Bragan’s protest was strictly on judgment. His only argument was about a grudge _ and that is stupid. I didn’t hesitate in making the call.”

Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver said Aaron stepped out of the box and, “I expected (Pelekoudas) to call it.”

Cardinals coach Joe Schultz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “You’ve got to give the umpire credit for having the nerve to call it.”

Aaron said in his book, ‘I won’t swear to you that I didn’t step over the line of the batter’s box, but it was nothing that I or other hitters hadn’t done before.”

I remember listening to that game.

I first remember Shannon talking about it on air some years after it happened. He thought it was hilarious!

[OldRed]

Most batters are not going to purposely get closer to the pitcher than is restricted by the front of the box, but here is an interesting story I read many years ago:

Hank Aaron and the home run that wasn’t vs. Cardinals

Hank Aaron could have added to his home run total if not for an unusual call in a game against the Cardinals.

Aaron, who would break Babe Ruth’s career home run record of 714 in 1974 and finish with 755, hit a home run against the Cardinals in 1965 that didn’t count toward his total.

On Aug. 18, 1965, at St. Louis, Aaron came to bat for the Braves against Cardinals starter Curt Simmons with the score tied 3-3 in the eighth.

In his autobiography, “I Had a Hammer,” Aaron said, “I always had difficulty with Curt Simmons because he would put the ball behind his back and then pound his leg with his glove. You never knew where the ball was coming from. Simmons used to drive me crazy with his herky-jerky delivery and his floating change of pace.”

In the 1965 game, Simmons teased Aaron with a changeup so high and so slow it seemed much like a blooper pitch. “I double-hitched my swing,” Aaron said in his book, “and took a big step up to meet the ball.”

Aaron lifted a high fly ball onto the pavilion roof in right for an apparent go-ahead home run.

Instead, Aaron was called out by plate umpire Chris Pelekoudas for being out of the batter’s box when he connected with the ball, nullifying the home run. Pelekoudas, in his sixth season as a National League umpire, ruled Aaron’s left foot was in front of the batter’s box.

“It’s the worst call I’ve ever seen,” Aaron said to the Associated Press. “I did the same thing the time before and popped up, and he (Pelekoudas) didn’t say a word. I always hit Simmons that way.”

Braves manager Bobby Bragan argued with the umpire and was ejected.

“It was either a grudge call, or he wanted to get his name in the paper,” Bragan said. “I’ve never seen such a call.”

Said Pelekoudas: “Bragan’s protest was strictly on judgment. His only argument was about a grudge _ and that is stupid. I didn’t hesitate in making the call.”

Cardinals catcher Tim McCarver said Aaron stepped out of the box and, “I expected (Pelekoudas) to call it.”

Cardinals coach Joe Schultz told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “You’ve got to give the umpire credit for having the nerve to call it.”

Aaron said in his book, ‘I won’t swear to you that I didn’t step over the line of the batter’s box, but it was nothing that I or other hitters hadn’t done before.”

I remember listening to that game.

I first remember Shannon talking about it on air some years after it happened. He thought it was hilarious!

Simmons frustrated Aaron to death with his slow just off the plate variety of pitches.

[zuck698]

[quote=OldRed post_id=13311813 time=1777032180 user_id=338291]
[quote="sikeston bulldog2" post_id=13311799 time=1777028879 user_id=337816]
Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.
[/quote]

[b][b]And just think a hitter has two balls on him before he ever gets into that box to hit.[/b]
[/quote][/b]

Not all players step up to the plate like that Red. Your post made me remember this little tidbit on John Kruk.

https://www.nbcsportsphiladelphia.com/n ... 94/310673/

[DwaininAztec]

Good morning.

The Batters box is constructed with four connecting white chalk lines. I understand the physical layout but never understood the purpose.

What do the white lines govern?

The Batters box is a rectangular configuration.

The front line has no purpose. It prevents the batter from approaching the pitcher. Why? Who wants to get closer, and if you do, good for you. In addition, by moving forward, you remove yourself from the plate. Who would do that naturally?

Outside line. Who needs it. If you want to stand five feet off the plate, so be it. You’ll never hit a ball. The outside line has zero purpose.

The inside line. Prevents from getting to close to home plate. Who cares. The rule should read you step on home plate, out. Any other area around the plate in fair game.

The back line. This is the only line needed. Preventing getting to close to catcher and ump. Makes sense.

And. All these lines get blurred and wiped out during the game. Not even noticeable. And the batters box has no play on plays at home.

Is the lines merely a part of pageantry, or really needed.

Am I smoking that chit too early.

Actually, Hank Aaron was once called out for violating that front line. Curt Simmons kept tantalizing him with his slow curves, so on August 18, '65, "Hammerin" Hank stepped out of the box and hit an HR for an out.