Posted by: Jim (jhconklinjr@comcast.net) on Sun Sep 12 05:48:15 2004

Hi Andy,

Technically, the strike zone is as wide as the plate - 17 inches.

From a batter's perspective, the strike zone is as wide as the umpire is calling it each day. Good umps will tell the coaches before the game if they call "tight" or "loose". Some also say that the zone may expand somewhat if the pitchers are near the plate, but are struggling to get the ball right over it. They want to keep the game moving and to encourage the batters to swing.

Hope this helps.