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Batting Out of
Turn
Batting out of turn can be a little tricky, particularly
when more that one batter bats out of turn.
In this scenario, numbers
are used instead of Abel, Baker, etc.
Numbers 5,6,7 and 8 in the batting
order are due to bat in the second inning. Number 7 leads off and doubles,
followed by number 6, who sacrifices him to third. What happens if Number 5
then comes to bat and…
the mistake is discovered by the defense
before a pitch is delivered to 5?
Since a pitch was made to 6, the
double by 7 is legal and 8 should have been the proper batter instead of 6.
Batter 8 is then called out, and 9 is the proper batter. Also, the runner who
was sacrificed to third must return to second because the advance was a result
of a batted ball hit by an improper batter.
5 takes a strike before the
mistake is discovered by the defense?
Same ruling, except that 8 becomes
the proper batter with a count of one strike. Again, no penalty is
charged.
…5 takes a ball that goes to the backstop, bringing 7 in
to score, before the mistake is discovered by the defense? The run counts and 8
becomes the proper batter with a count of one ball. Once again, no penalty is
charged.
5 flies out, sacrificing 7 in from third, and then the mistake
is discovered by the defense? The fly-out counts, but the sacrifice and run do
not, and 7 is returned to third base. In this case, the action of 6 and 7 were
legalized, 8 is charged with the at-bat, and 9 becomes the proper
batter.
5 draws a walk, and then the mistake is discovered by the
defense? The walk is nullified, 5 is removed from first base, and 8 (the proper
batter in this case) is called out and charged with the at-bat. In this case,
the action of 6 and 7 were legalized, and 9 becomes the proper
batter.
Remember, in cases of batting out of order, neither the umpire
nor the scorekeeper should bring it to the attention of either team. It is up
to the defense to catch the mistake. The umpires should remind the scorekeeper
of this before the game. The pertinent is Rule 6.07.
This is different
from an ineligible pitcher or player. Anyone (including the opposing manager)
who notices that an ineligible pitcher or player is about to enter the game
should stop it before it happens. from the play.
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