Saturday, April 18, 2009

Coach outside dugout

Question
Is there any rule that governs whether a coach can stand behind home plate and call pitch placement out to the batter based on where the catcher sets up? Such as, "she's coming low outside?" ..."inside pitch" ...etc. I've tried looking in the rule book but am unable to find where this might be included? It seems to me that it is at least unethical...if not against the official rules.

Response
It is covered in RULE 11. SPORTSMANSHIP
Sec 2. A coach, player, substitute, attendant or other bench personnel shall not:
M. Enter the area behind the catcher while the opposing pitcher and catcher are in their
positions.
PENALTY J-R: If it is the FIRST OFFENSE and is judged to be of a minor nature, an offending player may be warned or an offending coach may be restricted to the bench. If not minor or a subsequent offense, the Umpire shall eject the offender from the game.
That includes the area behind the catcher, outside of the fence.