Batter Interference: When Must a Batter Leave the Box?

Question
left hand batter with runner at third. When a pass ball and the runner tries to score is the batter required to leave the left hand batters box? If the batter does not leave the batters box is the batter out>

Answer
The batter is required to not interfere with the play.  In your scenario, leaving the batters box would be best.  If the batter is standing by the first base dugout when the play is made, it is very unlikely that there will be an interference call.  If the batter is standing in the box, in this situation, it is very likely that there will be an interference call.


The call is not automatic.  It is a judgement call for the umpire.

Tom