Just thought of something... what are the rule book requirements for positions, in particular, catchers.

Do you technically have to have one?

or, it a late inning situation, with no one on base, could you pull the catcher and have another OF or IF and just throw the ball to the backstop?

I played ball for about 12 years and we obviously never did this, but I was wondering it it was possible... people have done it for other positions but I didnt know if Catcher was a special case and was required to keep the game moving



[Edited on April 27, 2009 at 9:55 PM. Reason : d]

4/27/2009 9:53:17 PM

What would the home plate umpire do? I don't think he would appreciate that.


I've always wondered if you could put an outfielder behind the catcher while an intentional walk was being issued as back up.


[Edited on April 27, 2009 at 10:02 PM. Reason : ???]

4/27/2009 9:57:07 PM

run like hell

4/27/2009 9:57:29 PM

the batter could swing 2 strikes and then on the swing for strike 3, he could just run to first and be safe

4/27/2009 9:58:57 PM

.

[Edited on April 27, 2009 at 9:59 PM. Reason : ]

4/27/2009 9:58:57 PM

obviously they would put one back there after strike 2...


so yeah, it would only work for if the batter makes contact before two strikes.

4/27/2009 10:02:59 PM

can't be done

Quote :

"4.03 When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be on fair territory. (a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He may leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given an intentional base on balls, the catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher’s box until the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand. PENALTY: Balk. (c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself anywhere in fair territory."

[Edited on April 27, 2009 at 10:11 PM. Reason : .]

4/27/2009 10:10:51 PM

Rule 4.03 covers both of these questions at once. You can read them here:

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/official_info/official_rules/foreword.jsp

But the executive summary is that the catcher must have both feet in the catcher's box until the pitch leaves the pitcher's hand. Other than the pitcher and catcher, the other 7 defensive players can be anywhere they like, except that they must be in fair territory.

So the answer to both questions is no, you can't do that.

[Edited on April 27, 2009 at 10:12 PM. Reason : ^damn, posted while I was writing this...]

4/27/2009 10:11:51 PM

you'd piss off the ump pretty quick.

4/27/2009 10:12:28 PM

OMG, is there a rule that says you can only have one pitcher at a time???

4/27/2009 10:34:35 PM

Quote :

"What would the home plate umpire do? I don't think he would appreciate that."

This made me lol as I picture an umpire repeatedly getting nailed with fast balls.

4/27/2009 10:38:09 PM

it'd be fucking hilarious

4/28/2009 2:55:46 PM

is there a rule in baseball that prevents the outfielders from taking a shit in their respective positions? How about tossing a frisbee?

[Edited on April 28, 2009 at 2:58 PM. Reason : lol]

4/28/2009 2:58:07 PM

yes. this is why they call time, everytime someone throws something on field

4/28/2009 3:08:20 PM

stealing 2nd base would be pretty fucking easy

every single time

4/28/2009 3:11:46 PM

Quote :

"EASIEST BUNT EVER"

4/28/2009 3:18:58 PM