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Dedicated to good sportsmanship and fair play.
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Think You
Know Baseball?
[See Quiz Below]
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Baseball
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 2008
NFHS
Rules
Changes
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2008 NFHS
Rules
Interpretations
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Southern Tier
Teener League
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Adult Baseball:
If you are umpiring or playing adult baseball there are some special rules
for those games. Please go to: WWW.MSBLNATIONAL.COM
to makes sure you are aware of all rules that are specific to this level.
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Obstruction to Bases Prohibited in 2008 Baseball Rules
INDIANAPOLIS, IN (July
9, 2007) -- Beginning with the 2008 high school baseball season, fielders without
possession of the ball will not be allowed to deny access to the base that
a runner is attempting to achieve.
This change in Rule 2-22-3
is one of numerous rules revisions approved by the National Federation of
State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Committee at its
annual meeting June 12-14 in Indianapolis.
The rules changes subsequently were approved by the NFHS Board of
Directors.
"This rules revision will be very beneficial
because it will minimize the risk of injury for both offensive and
defensive players," said Elliot Hopkins, NFHS director of educational
services and liaison to the Baseball Rules Committee.
A revision to Rule 3-2-1
rescinds the previous rule that stated a coach or player occupying the
coaches' boxes shall remain there upon the batter entering the batter's box
until the release of the ball by the pitcher if requested by the opposing
coach. Beginning with the 2008 season, one player or coach may occupy each
coach's box while his or her team is at bat.
"This rule was virtually impossible to enforce in
the past," Hopkins
said. "The umpire does not normally focus on the coach in the box, and
shouldn't have to split his or her focus between the coach and the game. In
addition, a lot of fields are not properly lined with coaches' boxes, and
it's tough to say where the coach should be if the marks are not
clear."
Along with the previous rule, multiple rules changes
were made regarding head coaches. Rule 3-2-4
requires the head coach to be in attendance at the pregame
conference if available. If he or she is not present, the head coach will
be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game unless he or she
must attend to a sick or injured player.
Another rule, Rule 1-1-2,
suggests the importance of both the captain and the head coach being in
communication with the umpires. Both must be present at the pregame conference, and the head coach is responsible
for ensuring that his or her team is in compliance and will adhere to good
sportsmanship. The rule also requires the name, shirt number, position and
batting order of each starter to be placed on the lineup card. The name and
shirt number of each eligible substitute should also be placed on the card,
but are not required.
"It is important and necessary to require lineup
cards to be filled out correctly," Hopkins
said. "We looked at the vocabulary for the requirements for
substitutions and changed “shall” to “should” in
the section concerning eligible substitutions because there is no violation
or penalty outlined if the eligible substitute's name is not listed on the
card."
Two final rules changes deal with equipment and apparel.
Rule 1-3-6
will require a pitcher's glove to be removed from the game if it includes
the colors of white and/or gray and is noticed by the umpire or opposing
team.
"It is the coach's responsibility to make sure his
team is properly equipped, and it is the umpire's responsibility to enforce
the rules," Hopkins
said. "Instead of penalizing the opposing team with a multi-base
award, the glove will only be required to be removed."
According to Rule 10-1-9, it is necessary that umpires
dress alike in heather gray slacks and either a navy pullover shirt or a
state association-adopted shirt. They are not required to supply a wide
variety of shirts beyond what is necessary.
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 2008
Baseball Rules Interpretations
Publisher's Note: The National Federation of State
High School Associations is the only source of official high school
interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made
and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented.
Robert F. Kanaby, Publisher, NFHS Publications ©
2008
SITUATION 1: With runners on first and second and no outs,
the batter bunts a slow roller down the third-base line. The third baseman,
seeing that he has no play on any of the runners, starts blowing on the
ball from his hands and knees, trying to make the ball go foul. The ball
eventually rolls into foul territory where it comes to rest. RULING:
This is a fair ball. The fielder is using artificial means to induce the
ball to become foul. As soon as a fielder blew on the ball, it would be
judged to be the same as if he had touched it. So, if the ball was on fair
ground when he blew on it, the ball is fair; if the ball was over foul
ground when he blew on it, it would be foul. (2-5-1, 2-16-1)
SITUATION
2: A sharp line drive is hit to
the second baseman. The impact of the ball takes the glove off the second
baseman's hand, and the glove lands on the ground with the ball still in
the pocket of the glove. The second baseman retrieves the glove and takes
the ball out of the pocket. Is this a catch or must the ball be thrown to
first base in an attempt to record the out? RULING: This
is not a catch. To record the out on the batter-runner, the second baseman
would need to throw the ball to first in an attempt to obtain the force
out. A catch is an act of a fielder gaining secure possession in his hand
or glove of a live ball in flight and firmly holding it. (2-9-1)
SITUATION 3: A fly ball hit deep to right field along the foul line
hits the right fielder on the head. The ball then bounces
off his head and, in flight, goes over the outfield fence, but does
so on the foul side of the foul pole. Is this a home run? RULING:
No, this is a ground-rule double. A home run is a fair ball that goes over
a fence in flight in fair territory. (8-3-4a)
SITUATION 4: With the bases loaded and two outs and a 3-2 count, the
runners are off with the pitch. The pitch is ball four, but the runner from
first slides into second and his momentum carries him over and past the
base. The catcher makes a quick throw to second base and the tag is applied
for the third out before the runner from third trots home and touches the
plate. Does the run count? RULING: Yes, the run does
count. Each runner may, without liability to be put out, advance one base
when he is forced to vacate his position on the bases due to the batter
being awarded a base-on-balls. The runners advance past the bases to which
they are entitled at their own risk. All runners are awarded one base, and
as long as all the bases are touched appropriately, the run would count.
(8-1-2a, 8-1-1c, Awards Table)
SITUATION 5: With runners on second and third, the batter receives
ball four on a pitch that bounces in the dirt. The ball caroms off the
catcher's shin guards and goes into the visiting team's dugout. What bases
are to be awarded? RULING: The batter is awarded first
base due to the base-on-balls, and the runners are awarded one base due to
the pitch entering a dead-ball area. At the end of the awards, the
batter-runner will be on first base, the runner from second will be on
third, and the runner from third will have scored. (8-1-2a, 8-1-1c, 8-3-3d)
SITUATION 6: While on the pitcher's plate in the windup
position, the pitcher has both hands at his side or both hands together in
front of his body. He brings his pitching hand to his mouth and then
distinctly wipes it off. RULING: This is an illegal pitch.
Each runner on base would be awarded one base. If the bases were empty, a
ball would be awarded to the batter. (6-1-2
Penalty)
SITUATION 7: While on the pitching plate in the stretch position,
the pitcher has the ball in his glove hand and his pitching hand is at his
side or has hands together in front of his body. He brings his pitching
hand to his mouth, distinctly wipes it off and returns it to his side. RULING:
This is an illegal pitch by the pitcher. A balk will be called if
there are runners on base. If the bases are empty, a ball will be awarded
to the batter. (6-1-3
Penalty)
SITUATION 8: While off the pitcher's plate, the pitcher goes to his
mouth with his pitching hand, distinctly wipes it off and then legally
engages the pitcher's plate. RULING: This is legal. (6-1,
6-2-1e)
SITUATION 9: With (a) the bases empty, or (b) runners on first base
and second base, the pitcher goes to his mouth with his pitching hand while
off the pitcher's plate, but does not wipe it off. He next places his
pitching hand on the ball. RULING: In both (a) and (b),
while off the pitching plate, the pitcher may request to have a new ball
from the plate umpire with no penalty. If the pitcher, without having
received a new ball from the plate umpire subsequently engages the pitcher's
plate, a ball would be awarded to the batter. (6-2-1e Penalty)
SITUATION 10: The lineup submitted by the visiting team does not have
any substitutes listed. In the second inning, the visiting team coach
attempts to substitute for the center fielder. The coach of the home team
complains that there were no substitutes listed, this is illegal. RULING:
This is legal. While it is encouraged and a benefit to both teams
to have all substitutes listed on the line-up card, it is not mandatory.
There is no penalty. The umpire-in-chief will allow the substitution and
notify the opposing team and the official scorekeeper. (1-1-2,
10-2-3d, j)
SITUATION 11: Baker, who is not listed on the lineup card as a starter
or as a substitute, comes in to play left field but does not report. When
he comes to bat in the next half-inning, the opposing team argues that
since he was not listed on the lineup and that since he did not report, he
is an illegal substitute and cannot participate. RULING: There
is no penalty for not listing the substitutes and Baker may participate. As
an unreported substitute, the umpire-in-chief will enter him on his lineup
card and notify both teams and the official scorer. (1-1-2,
2-36-2, 3-1-1)
SITUATION 12: As the pitcher moves to attempt a pickoff at first base,
the first baseman drops his knee and entirely blocks the runner from
getting back to first base. RULING: This is obstruction. A
fielder who is not in possession of the ball must provide the runner access
to the base he is attempting to reach. The runner will be awarded second
base for the obstruction. (2-22-3,
8-3-2)
SITUATION 13: Without the ball in possession, the catcher sets up in
the base path, but does allow access to part of home plate. As the ball and
the runner converge at home simultaneously, the runner contacts the
catcher. RULING: As long as the umpire judges that the
catcher provided access to the plate for the runner, this is not
obstruction. With the play in motion and the timing such that it is about
to occur, a fielder may be in the base path without the ball, provided he
allows the runner access to the base or home plate. (2-22-3)
SITUATION 14: With a lazy, one-hop single to the right
fielder, the batter rounds first base with no intention or action of
advancing to second base. As he takes a few easy strides past first base,
he contacts the first baseman who is partially in his path. RULING:
Since the batter was making no attempt to advance to second base, the first
baseman did not hinder him or change the pattern of the play. As a result,
obstruction would not be called. Any benefit of the doubt would be given to
the batter-runner if there was a question in the covering umpire's mind. (3-22-1)
SITUATION 15: With the pregame conference
ready to begin, the home team head coach is in the bullpen and refuses to
attend. He sends his assistant coach and a captain to be present. The
assistant coach provides his team's lineup and verifies to the
umpire-in-chief that his team is properly equipped. RULING: The
umpire-in-chief will accept the assistant coach's verification and conclude
all needed activity at the pregame conference.
The head coach will be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the
game. (3-2-4
Penalty, 4-1-3a)
SITUATION 16: With the game time at hand, the head coach of the
visiting team is caught in traffic and is not present at the field. The
assistant coach represents the team at the pregame
conference. RULING: This is permissible. When the head
coach arrives at the game, he may resume normal coaching activity. (3-2-4)
SITUATION 17: In the third inning, a substitute pitcher comes to
relieve the starting pitcher. After a couple of pitches have been
delivered, the umpire-in-chief notices that the reliever's glove has white
on it. RULING: The umpire shall have the pitcher remove
the glove and obtain a legal one before he continues to pitch. (1-3-6)
SITUATION 18: With runners on second and third, the pitcher makes a
great catch of a line drive hit back up the middle. The opposing coach notices
that his glove has a large manufacturer's logo that is white. He complains
to the umpire-in-chief. RULING: Upon discovery, the glove
used by the pitcher that includes the colors white and/or gray shall be
removed. The out stands and there are no subsequent base awards. (1-3-6)
SITUATION 19: The umpire-in-chief notices that the head coach
coaching at third base is not in the coach's box. The coach is not gaining
an advantage or causing any problems. RULING: There is no
violation. If the umpire believes that the coach was gaining an advantage
for his team, he would require the coach to be within the confines of the
coach's box. (3-2-1)
SITUATION 20: With the bases empty, the visiting team is at bat and
the assistant coach in the first base coach's box is wearing a dual flap
helmet while the head coach in the third base coach's box is wearing a hard
liner under his team cap. The home team coach complains to the
umpire-in-chief that both coaches must wear the same type of protective
helmet in accordance with MLB rules. RULING: The NFHS has
not mandated that adult coaches shall wear protective head gear while
occupying a coach's box. It is the prerogative of the respective coach to
wear such protective equipment. The NFHS is conducting research to
determine if protective head gear should be required and, if so, which type
(hard liner, flapless, one-flap, dual flap) would be most effective.
However, it is mandatory that when occupying a coach's box, a coach shall
wear the team cap and that players/students wear a batting helmet that
meets the NOCSAE standard and has dual ear flaps. (3-2-1,
1-5-1,
1-4-1)
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Southern Tier Teener
Baseball League
The Southern Tier Teener
League plays their games in Vestal,
Endicott, Newark
Valley,
Owego, Ithaca,
Cortland,
JC, Port Dick, and NYSEG.
The league
follows High School rules with the following exceptions:
ü There is no DH allowed.
However, each team may use up to 2 Extra Hitters (EH). If they start the game with 11 hitters in
the line-up and if for any reason they fall below 11 hitters, with no legal
substitute, an out will be called for each time that spot comes up in the
batting order.
ü A team must have 8 players to start the game. If they start the game with only 8
players they have two options. [1]
They may present a line-up card with 9 players. Each time that spot
comes up in the batting order an out will be called. If a player shows up he may enter the
game immediately filling the 9th spot in the batting order. [2] If they present a line-up with only
8 players they can only play with 8 players no matter if others show up
after the start of the game (players that show up after the start of the
game can be used as substitutes only).
Under any circumstance any time a team only has 7 eligible players
the game cannot continue and the team will forfeit. The umpire has sole discretion on the
amount of time to wait to start the game to have the legal number of
players there (general guideline 15 minutes).
ü Starting players may re-enter the game once (substitutes
are not eligible for re-entry) as long as their substitute has had one
at-bat and played for six defensive outs.
ü Pitchers removed may continue to play in the game but
may not return to pitch for the remainder of the game.
ü No inning may begin 2½ hours after the beginning of the
game. However, ties will be played
to completion.
A Mercy Rule of 10 runs after 5 innings will be in
effect.
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 THINK YOU KNOW BASEBALL?
This quiz contains questions
regarding the most
frequently misinterpreted rules.
See if you know the correct ruling for the
following situations
1. ARE THE HANDS CONSIDERED
PART OF THE BAT?
Answer: No. See rule 2.00 Ball,
Person, Touch, Strike(e)(f). 6.08(b). If the batter is hit anywhere
on his body, including the hands, it is a strike if he is swinging
at the pitch or is hit by a pitch that is in the strike zone. He gets first
base if he did not swing and attempted to avoid the pitch. Being hit on the
hands is an immediate dead ball, and is NEVER a foul ball. It is a
strike. If it is strike three, the batter is out.
2. IF A
BATTED BALL HITS THE PLATE FIRST, IS IT
A FOUL BALL?
Answer: No. The plate is in
fair territory and is treated the same as the ground. Rule 2.00 Fair, Foul.
If it settles on the plate it is also a fair ball.
3. IS
THE BALL ALWAYS IMMEDIATELY DEAD WHEN THE UMPIRE CALLS "BALK!"?
Answer: In high school baseball
(NFHS) the answer is Yes. In adult baseball (Major League Rules) the
answer is No. If the pitcher throws a pitch or throws to a base after the
call, the ball is live (delayed dead). At the end of the play, the balk
will be enforced or ignored depending on what happened. Rule 8.05 PENALTY.
If ALL runners advance on the play,
the balk is ignored. If ANY runner is put out, or does not advance
on the play, the balk is enforced from the time of the balk.
4.
IF A PITCH HITS THE GROUND, THEN HITS THE BATTER, AND THE BATTER DID NOT
SWING; IS THE BATTER ENTITLED TO FIRST BASE?
Answer: Yes. A pitch is a ball delivered
to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't have to be in-flight to be a
pitch. The batter can hit a ball off the ground and it is a legal hit. The
ball is dead when it hits the batter. The batter is awarded first. Rule
2.00 Pitch, 5.09(a), 6.08(b).
5. MUST
THE BATTER TURN TO HIS RIGHT WHEN RETURNING TO FIRST BASE AFTER A SAFE HIT?
Answer: No. The runner is out
when tagged, only if the umpire judges that he made an attempt to go to
second base after he reached first. Rule 7.08(c) EXCEPTION and 7.10(c). An
attempt is a judgment call. Usually an attempt is judged when the runner
takes a step toward second with thoughts of going and lifts the other foot
off the ground and moves it toward second.
6. WHEN
A FIELDER THROWS THE BALL OUT-OF-PLAY, ARE THE RUNNERS AWARDED THE
BASE THEY WERE GOING TO, PLUS ONE?
Answer: No. If the wild throw
is the first play by an infielder, runners are awarded 2 bases from
the bases they held at the time of the pitch. If it is the second
play by an infielder, or any throw from an outfielder, it is 2 bases
from where they were physically positioned when the wild throw was
released by the fielder. Not from the time it went out-of-play. It
makes no difference which direction they were running at the time of the
throw. If all runners have advanced at least one base before the release of
the wild throw that was the first by an infielder, all runners are awarded
2 bases from where they were positioned at the time of the release. Rule
7.05(g) & APPROVED RULING. If the pitcher steps off the rubber before
making a pick-off attempt, he is considered a fielder and runners are
awarded two bases if the throw goes into dead ball area.
7. AT ALL LEVELS OF PLAY; SENIOR,
JUNIOR, & MAJOR, THE RUNNER MUST SLIDE IF THE DEFENSIVE PLAYER IS
FIELDING THE BALL ON A CLOSE PLAY, OR HAS THE BALL. TRUE OR FALSE?|
Answer: False. There is no
must slide rule. The runner must slide, OR attempt to get around
a fielder who has the ball waiting to make a tag. The runner may NEVER
deliberately crash into the defender, with or without the ball. However, if
an unavoidable collision occurs on a close play, the runner is NOT out. In
an attempt to get around the fielder, the runner may not go more than three
feet from the baseline. Rule 7.08(a)(3).
8. IF A
FIELDER IS BLOCKING THE BASE PATH BEFORE HE CATCHES A
THROW, IS THIS ALWAYS INTERFERENCE?
Answer: No. First, interference
is something the offense does illegally. A fielder who does not have the
ball and is not in the act of fielding, is guilty of OBSTRUCTION. If
the throw is in flight and CLOSE to the fielder, he has a right to move
wherever it is necessary to catch the ball. Otherwise, he must get out of
the way. It is the umpire's judgment as to whether or not the fielder is in
the "act of fielding". Rule 2.00 Obstruction. Rule 7.06(a)(b).
9. THE
SHORTSTOP HAS THE BALL MUCH TOO FAR FROM THE RUNNER
ADVANCING FROM SECOND BASE TO TAG HIM. THE RUNNER
ZIG-ZAGS 6 FEET TO EACH SIDE OF THE BASE LINE AS HE RETREATS TO
SECOND. IS HE OUT FOR RUNNING OUT OF THE BASELINE?
Answer: No. Rule 7.08(a)(1)
applies at the time the runner moves out of the base line "to avoid a
tag", not before. Also, the interpretation of base line for purposes
of this rule is that the base line is the line from the runner to the base.
Not the line between the bases.
10. AN
OUTFIELDER MAKES A RUNNING CATCH, TAKES 4 STEPS AFTER CATCHING THE BALL,
FALLS DOWN, ROLLS OVER AND STANDS UP, THEN DROPS
THE BALL. IS THE BATTER OUT?
Answer: No. This is not a legal
catch. The release of the ball must be voluntary and intentional. The
length of time the ball is held is irrelevant, unless the fielder has
complete control of his body and the umpire judges he has complete control
of the ball. Rule 2.00 Catch.
11.
WHEN THE INFIELD-FLY RULE IS IN EFFECT, IS
THE BATTER AUTOMATICALLY OUT IF HE HITS A POP-FLY IN THE INFIELD?
Answer: Yes, IF the ball
can be caught with ordinary effort. This is a judgment call. If the
umpire believes it required more than ordinary effort, the batter is not
out. Rule 2.00 Infield-fly. It is not an infield-fly simply because it is
hit within the infield. The ball must be judged to be able to be caught
with ORDINARY EFFORT. The ball may also be caught in the outfield
and still be an infield-fly, IF it could be caught with ordinary
effort by a fielder who was stationed in the infield at the time of the
pitch.
12. IF
THE UMPIRES DECLARE "INFIELD-FLY THE BATTER'S OUT"
BUT THE FIELDER DROPS THE BALL, CAN THE RUNNERS ADVANCE?
Answer: Yes. The ball is live
and runners may advance at the risk of being put out. The only difference
between an infield-fly and an outfield-fly is; the batter is out whether
the ball is caught or not. Runners may tag-up after a catch or run if
no-catch. Since the batter is out all forces are removed. Rule 2.00
Infield-fly.
13. IF
THE BASE COACH SLAPS HANDS WITH A RUNNER AS HE PASSES WHILE THE BALL IS
ALIVE, IS THE RUNNER OUT?
Answer: No. This is a judgment
call. If the base coach, by touching or holding the runner, physically
assists that runner in returning to or leaving the base, the
runner is out. Merely a hand slap or pat on the back is not grounds for an
out. Rule 7.09(I).
14. AS
THE BATTER ROUNDS THIRD AFTER HITTING A HOME RUN, HIS TEAMMATES HUG HIM AND PAT HIM ON THE BACK AND SLAP HANDS. SHOULD THE
BATTER BE CALLED OUT?
Answer: No. The ball is dead
after the ball leaves the field and all runners may advance without
liability to be put out. Rule 5.02, 7.09(a). If any runner misses a base,
that runner may be put out on appeal only after the ball is put back in
play. The ball is put in play when the pitcher has the ball while standing
on the rubber and the umpire says "Play."
15. A
RUNNER ADVANCES A BASE ON A PITCH THAT WAS TIPPED BY THE BATTER AND CAUGHT BY THE CATCHER.
MUST THE RUNNER RETURN TO HIS ORIGINAL BASE?
Answer: No. The ball is live on
a foul-tip. If the tip is not caught it is a foul-ball and the ball
is dead. If it is caught, it is a strike and the ball is live. Rule
2.00 Foul-tip. This applies for strike 1, 2 or 3. It is not a foul-tip by
definition, unless it is caught. If it is not caught, it is by definition,
a foul ball.
THE FOLLOWING
QUESTIONS DESCRIBE PLAYS:
16. Two out, runners on
first and second base. Batter hits single, runner on second scores, runner
on first base missed second but reaches third. The defense properly appeals
that he missed second. Does the run which scored count?
Answer: No. Because the runner
started at first this is a force-out. Rule 2.00 Force-play, Rule 4.09(a)
EXCEPTIONS: (2). No run can score if the third out is a force-out.
17. One out, runners on
first and second. Batter hits a pop fly between third and home, the umpire
calls "infield fly if fair", the fielder under the ball, lets the
ball strike the ground untouched in foul territory, the ball then then
rolls into fair territory. The umpire rules an infield fly and declares the
batter out. Right or wrong?
Answer: Right. This is a fair
ball, therefore it is an infield fly. Rule 2.00 Fair ball, Infield fly
(NOTE:), 6.05(e).
18. Bases full, two out,
batter walks. Catcher throws ball to first baseman, ball gets by him into
right field. All runners on base score with the batter reaching second. The
defense appeals that the batter-runner missed first. The umpire agrees and
calls him out. How many runs score?
Answer: None. Rule 4.09(a)
EXCEPTIONS(1). No run can score if the batter is put out before touching
first. Runners must touch all bases including those they are awarded. If
the runner attempts to advance to the next base, or reaches the next base,
he is considered to have "reached" the base he was awarded. If he
did not touch the base he was awarded, he is liable to be put out on
appeal.
19. Runner goes far out of
the base line to avoid a fielder trying to field a fair batted ball. Umpire
declares the runner out. Right or wrong?
Answer: Wrong. The runner must
avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball and is not out for
running out of the base line. Rule 7.08(b) and 7.09(l) makes him out if he
does not avoid the fielder.
20. Runners on second and
third, two out, batter hits a clean double and is thrown out attempting to
stretch hit into a triple. However, the runner who started on second left
before the ball reached the plate. How many runs count? (Little League
only)
Answer: None. Whenever any
runner leaves early, all runners are affected. When the play is over all
runners are put back to their original bases if possible. Since the batter
was put out, bases would be available. Since he was the third out the runs
do not count. Rule 7.13. (Major & Minors only).
21. Runner going from
second to third bumps into the shortstop who was standing in the base path
without the ball. The third baseman, who fielded the ball, comes over and
tags the runner with the ball. Is the runner out?
Answer: No. This is
Obstruction. Rule 2.00, 7.06.
22. A batter with two
strikes is hit on his fist while swinging at the pitch. Is he out, or is he
awarded first base, or is it a foul ball.
Answer: He is out. Rule 2.00
Strike(e), Person and Touch. The hands are NOT part of the bat. See answer
to question #1 above.
23. The player listed third
in the batting order bats when the number two batter should have been up.
He gets a double. The defense appeals that he was the wrong batter. The
umpire calls number two out and puts number three back up. Is this correct?
Answer: Yes. When batting out
of order occurs, the PROPER batter is out, hits and/or advances that
occur when the improper batter becomes a runner are nullified. The next
batter up is the spot following the spot that was called out. In this case
two is out, three's hit is nullified and because he is the one after the
person called out, he bats again. Any advances by runners while the
improper batter is at bat, such as steals, are legal. If the batter who is
due to bat after an appeal is made, is on base, you skip that spot and the
following player bats.
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