At what point should a manager call an illegal batter substitution if said batter had not been entered into the game? When is the batter considered out?
When he gets in the batters box?
After a pitch?
If it is after a pitch, and the illegal batter puts it in play, does the play count or is it a dead ball? Can a manager wait until the AB is over to make this call?
A lot of questions...I know.
The unreported substitute rule and illegal batter rules can be found on page 26 of the SSUSA rule book. The short version: If the defense wants to get an out on the play, wait until the at-bat ends to appeal. After the at-bat, if the player is properly appealed, all outs on the play stand, other runners return to the base occupied at the start of the at-bat, and the batter is called out. (Appeal too soon, and the defense will be disappointed. No out will be called.)
Donna, totally agree. I was scorekeeper for our team. I never worried about illegal substitutions unless it was of benefit to us.
What happens if the batter takes a pitch, or fouls off a pitch and then reports as a substitution?
I am only asking because I have seen this several times over the last 3 years and it always becomes confusing for the umpire and both coaches.
He is in the game and continues his at-bat.
What if it’s a batting out of order situation?
Donna, thanks for the clarification on this rule. All associations have different rules for minor things. In most associations, a properly appealed player is OUT once he enters the batters box....so good to know this rule before Vegas. Thanks!
Batting out of order is the same. Wait until the at-bat ends to appeal. Otherwise, the correct batter enters the box and assumes the count. As for how other associations handle this situation, our rule is the same as USA Softball (formerly ASA). As far as batting out of order, our rule also is the same as Major League Baseball’s rule.
"EXACTLY"
I agree totally....
