batter box and batter

Question
Is it legal for a batter to intentionally step in front of the plate with one foot during the pitch as long as the batter does not swing? I play on a co-ed league and was told that if I stepped outside the batters box anytime during the pitch that I would be called out. I like to step one foot in front of the plate to try and throw the pitcher off. I understand that I cannot swing and hit the ball while outside the batters box.

Answer
Hi Rick,

"I understand that I cannot swing and hit the ball while outside the batters box."

You cannot come back into the box and make contact with the ball w/out being called out.  If that is what you are talking out, that's correct.

If you just plan on taking the pitch....
I'm not going to allow you to do this for a # of reasons and there's a couple rules I could use....

You cannot...employ any act while the ball is alive and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the pitcher commit an illegal pitch.  1st is a team warning, 2nd is an ejection.  You did state you are trying to throw the pitcher off.

or I could use the batter shall not hinder the catcher from catching or throwing the ball by stepping out of the batter's box.  Effect dead ball, batter is out.  If you impede the catcher's view by stepping in front of the plate in my opinion you are hindering the catcher.

I believe an experienced umpire is going to cause you trouble with this.

Mark