Question A player, who had previously batted and played in the field in the game, was found to be wearing metal cleats as he came to bat for the second time. He had entered the box, but not taken a pitch. The umpire called time when the catcher pointed out the metal cleats. The umpire was going to allow the batter to continue to play in the cleats, until the opposing manager protested this. What is the correct plan of action for the umpire to take?
Answer I would simply instruct the coach of the offending team to get a legally equiped batter up to the plate.
If this was a "friendly" tournament. I would give the player a minute to change shoes. If I felt there was an intent to violate the rules, I might eject the player and the coach.
There has been a lot of confusion at some tournaments this summer about what kind of cleats are allowed. Speaking ASA, no metal cleats at any level.
