Ask the Ump!

BATTING OUT OF ORDER

QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, the correct batting order is Ortiz, Pesky and Williams. Williams incorrectly leads off the inning and with a full count offensive coach detects the batting error and wants Ortiz to assume the count. Is this request permitted? Is improper batter required to remain at bat after one pitch?

ANSWER: This is a correctable error with an improper batter at bat. Ortiz comes to bat with the count full and no penalty. (BB and SB- Rule 7, Sec. 1, Art. 1 & 2).

QUESTION: Williams, the improper batter, is at bat and a runner steals second or advances a base due to a wild pitch. In situation above, defensive coach appeals batting out of order with the count full. Umpire agrees and allows Ortiz, the proper batter, to assume the count. Is the runner required to return to the base prior to the appeal?

ANSWER: Runner is allowed to remain at advanced base because he / she gained base on own and not as a result of any action by the improper batter (BB- Rule 7-1-1; SB- Rule 7-1-2, Pen. 2).

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