Which action constitutes disconcerting the pitcher while the pitcher is ready to pitch?

• A. Step from the box on one side of home plate to the box on the other side.
• B. Bunt for strike.
• C. Swing at a pitch outside the box.
• D. Step back into the box after a pause.

Answer: (A)

Disconcerting the pitcher means the batter does something to distract or disrupt the pitcher while he is in the ready-to-pitch position. Moving from one side of the batter’s box to the other while the pitcher is prepared to throw is a deliberate action meant to change the pitcher’s timing and rhythm. Thatside-to-side movement can cause the pitcher to pause, reset, or misread the batter, which is why it’s considered disconcerting.

The other options don’t create that deliberate timing disruption in the same way: bunting for a strike is a batting choice, swinging at a pitch outside the box is simply a swing at an outside throw, and stepping back into the box after a pause is a normal re-entry that isn’t aimed at disturbing the pitcher’s delivery.