Baseball Instruction/Batting out of order

Advertisement

Expert: - 6/20/2008


Question
In the 3rd inning of a game, my #3 batter is supposed to be at the plate, but my #4 batter is in the box and has a 2-0 count.  The opposing coach calls time and says my team is batting out of order.  Is there an automatic out because of this, or can the #3 batter come into the box, assume the count and continue with the at-bat?  Is there an out because the opposing coach caught it?

Would the same ruling hold if I called time and tried to correct the situation?

I understand the ruling once the batter becomes a runner or makes an out, the opposing coach has to make an appeal before the next pitch, but in this situation, the opposing coach is making an appeal before the batter becomes a runner or makes an out.

I am looking for more clarification from a similar question you answered here:  http://en.allexperts.com/q/Baseball-Instruction-327/batting-order-1.htm  

Answer
Bill,

If a player is caught batting out of order before they have reached 1st base, then that player may be removed and replaced with the proper batter.  The proper batter assumes the count the illegal batter had.  It does not matter if you or the opposing manager catch this, as you would do the same thing; just place the proper batter in the box and continue play.

I hope this has answered your question.  Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask.

-Martin Hoover

Baseball Instruction

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Martin Hoover

Expertise

Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.

Experience

Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire

Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.

Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics

Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.