Rule 6.02

The following paragraph is additional material for Rule 6.02(b) Comment, for National Association
play (in lieu of the additional two paragraphs, above, that apply to Major League play):
If after the pitcher starts his windup or comes to a “set position” with a runner on, he does not go
through with his pitch because the batter has stepped out of the box, the umpire shall not call a balk. The
umpire shall call an automatic strike if Rule 6.02(d)(1) calls for such sanction.
(c) If the batter refuses to take his position in the batter’s box during his time at bat, the
umpire shall call a strike on the batter. The ball is dead, and no runners may
advance. After the penalty, the batter may take his proper position and the regular
ball and strike count shall continue. If the batter does not take his proper position
before three strikes have been called, the batter shall be declared out.
Rule 6.02(c) Comment: The umpire shall give the batter a reasonable opportunity to take his
proper position in the batter’s box after the umpire has called a strike pursuant to Rule 6.02(c) and
before the umpire calls a successive strike pursuant to Rule 6.02(c).
(d) The following rule shall be in effect for all National Association Leagues:
(1) The batter shall keep at least one foot in the batter’s box throughout the
batter’s time at bat, unless one of the following exceptions applies, in which
case the batter may leave the batter’s box but not the dirt area surrounding
home plate:
(i) The batter swings at a pitch;
(ii) The batter is forced out of the batter’s box by a pitch;
(iii) A member of either team requests and is granted “Time”;
(iv) A defensive player attempts a play on a runner at any base;
(v) The batter feints a bunt;
(vi) A wild pitch or passed ball occurs;
(vii) The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound after receiving
the ball; or
(viii)The catcher leaves the catcher’s box to give defensive signals.
If the batter intentionally leaves the batter’s box and delays play, and none
of the exceptions listed in Rule 6.02(d)(1)(i) through (viii) applies, the
umpire shall award a strike without the pitcher having to deliver the pitch.
The ball is dead, and no runners may advance. The umpire shall award
additional strikes, without the pitcher having to deliver the pitch, if the
batter remains outside the batter’s box and further delays play.