STARTING THE GAME
4.02 The players of the home team shall take their defensive positions, the
first batter of the visiting team shall take his position in the batter's box, the
umpire shall call "Play" and the game shall start.
STARTING THE GAME
4.03 When the ball is put in play at the start of, or during a game, all fielders
(a) The catcher shall station himself directly back of the plate. He may
leave his position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that
when the batter is being given an intentional base on balls, the catcher must
stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves
the pitcher's hand.
PENALTY: Balk.
(b) The pitcher, while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter, shall
take his legal position;
(c) Except the pitcher and the catcher, any fielder may station himself
anywhere in fair territory;
(d) Except the batter, or a runner attempting to score, no offensive
player shall cross the catcher's lines when the ball is in play.
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