courtesy runners substitutes
Question
If a coach replaces a courtesy runner with a PINCH RUNNER, and the courtesy was running for the pitcher, would the pitch runner be taking the place of the pitcher in the line up??
2. Same lineup and the pitcher goes back out to pitch the next inning. The girl who pinch run is out of the game?
3. The same PINCH RUNNER batted for a DIFFERENT player two innings later. What, if anything, could the opposing coach protest?
Answer
Hi Steve,
Yes but you are burning a sub and then a reentry for the pitcher
yes but may re-enter once
an experienced umpire would not allow that as the player may only re-enter in the pitcher's batting position. It's called preventive umpiring and while some umpires may handle it differently, most experienced umpires would "coach you can't do that" when it is brought to the plate. We do have umpire discussions on how to handle this and I personally would not allow it, so it becomes a non-problem. The only time I would allow it is if the coach insisted and the "p" word came out on my interp of the rules. Then the defense could protest it as an illegal re-entry.
But it did happen and we have an illegal re-entry and the player is considered an illegal player and is at least disqualified. Other penalties could apply depending if they reached base.
mark
Tag Rule
Chaffing From Shin Guards