Batting Out of Order w/ Multiple Plays
2016/7/15 17:06:08
Question
QUESTION: ASA Fastpitch - R1 on 3B, R2 on 1B and B4 batting with no outs.
First pitch: R2 steals 2B and R1 scores.
Second pitch: B4 grounds out to F3.
Defense then appeals B4 batted out of turn before next pitch.
What happens to R1 and R2? Is R1's run nullified with R1 and R2 returned to 3B and 1B respectively?
ANSWER: Hi Chuck,
Since no action of B4 assisted R1 or R2 their advance is legal. Had they advanced on the batted ball they would be returned.
Mark
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for your answer - it confirms my understanding. I can't think of a case, without a protest involved, where runners would be returned on a play that occurred prior to the last pitch.
Unfortunately, I need something for an ASA umpire that is reading 7.2.D.2.Effect.b as encompassing the entire at bat rather than just the last pitch/play. Can you provide an ASA reference (rules, rule clarification and/or case book) that refutes his interpretation?
Answer
Hi Chuck,
we don't have a CBP for this this, unfortunately.
However we can read the intent of the rule another way.
If batting out of order is discovered:
1. While the incorrect batter is at bat:
EFFECT: The correct batter must take the batter抯 position and assume
the balls and strikes count. Any runner advanced and runs scored
while the incorrect batter was at bat shall be legal.
and we have CBP 7.2-7 that deals w/ a runner stealing home while we have a BOO at bat, appealed and the proper batter takes his place, the advance is legal because the BOO "did not assist nor advance R1." "The advance was made on it's own merit"
Now I know this isn't the same, however 7-2-d-b has been instructed to us that advancement of the runner must happen because of something that the BOO did, it does not apply to the whole batting experience and what happened during numerous pitches before something completed their turn at bat. If it did what would you do with bases loaded, 2 or 3 IPs (in FP) or 2 or 3 stolen bases in SP and then a single or a K by the BOO. Are you going to reload the bases after they make an appeal? I guess someone could say yea we're going to do that but I disagree and I think most senior umpires disagree.
This umpire not only has a District UIC but a state UIC, I believe he needs to contact either or both for the proper inter of 72db.
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