Baseball Catcher's Box

Surrounding the home plate area in baseball are boxes drawn in chalk. These boxes represent areas where certain players must position themselves prior to the pitch. Read on to learn more about the catcher’s box in baseball, including its function and rules associated with the box.

What Is the Catcher’s Box in Baseball?

The catcher's box in baseball is where the catcher is positioned to catch pitches thrown by the pitcher. The catcher’s box is directly behind home plate, and two edges are connected to the batter’s boxes.

Catcher’s Box Rules

• The catcher’s box must be 43 inches wide and eight feet from the back tip of home plate.
• The box should be drawn with chalk between the two batter’s boxes.
• The catcher may move outside of the catcher’s box to catch a pitch or make a play, except when the pitcher is intentionally walking the batter.
• If the pitcher is intentionally walking the batter, the catcher must remain inside the catcher’s box until the ball has left the pitcher’s hand.
• If the catcher prematurely leaves the catcher’s box on an intentional walk, a balk will be called.
• If the catcher leaves the catcher’s box to give defensive signals, the batter is allowed to step out of the batter’s box.

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