Switching batting boxes

[stl_ump]

How many times can a better switch boxes? And what is the rule reference?

Thanks

[noumpere]

1 hour ago, stl_ump said:

How many times can a better switch boxes? And what is the rule reference?

Thanks

As many as he wants, as long as the pitcher isn't in a position ready to pitch.

 

I don't mean this to be as "rude" as it's going to sound, but if you look it up yourself, you will have a better grasp of the rule book AND you might learn something else you didn't know.

[Rich Ives]

15 minutes ago, noumpere said:

I don't mean this to be as "rude" as it's going to sound, but if you look it up yourself, you will have a better grasp of the rule book AND you might learn something else you didn't know.

I've been called worse that that for suggesting someone look it up.

 

[stl_ump]

Hey no problem. 

As I couldn't find anything about it when I looked I figured you guys would know one way or another.  And since it's NOT addressed then it is something he CAN do.

Thanks

 

[Rich Ives]

1 minute ago, stl_ump said:

Hey no problem. 

As I couldn't find anything about it when I looked I figured you guys would know one way or another.  And since it's NOT addressed then it is something he CAN do.

Thanks

 

Look under "batter is out for illegal action"

[maven]

29 minutes ago, Rich Ives said:

I've been called worse that that for suggesting someone look it up.

 

There's a reason for that.

[Senor Azul]

According to the Wendelstedt Rules and Interpretations Manual (2013 edition, p. 119), a batter can only change boxes once per at-bat and pitcher.

“After the pitcher has initially indicated which arm he will deliver with, the batter may switch batter’s boxes only once that at-bat, per pitcher he faces. The batter may switch from one batter’s box if the pitcher is not prepared to pitch, however, he may not switch boxes when the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball.

“If the batter attempts to switch boxes more than once per at-bat with the same pitcher pitching, the umpire will instruct him to return to the previous box. If the batter attempts to switch batter’s boxes after the pitcher has engaged the rubber with the ball, the umpire will call time, and then call the batter out.”

This interpretation is based on OBR 6.03(a)(2) [old rule 6.06b] and you wouldn’t have known that if you did not have a copy of the manual. So it is a good thing you asked, Mr. stl_ump.

[MadMax]

39 minutes ago, Senor Azul said:

According to the Wendelstedt Rules and Interpretations Manual (2013 edition, p. 119), a batter can only change boxes once per at-bat and pitcher.

“After the pitcher has initially indicated which arm he will deliver with, the batter may switch batter’s boxes only once that at-bat, per pitcher he faces. The batter may switch from one batter’s box if the pitcher is not prepared to pitch, however, he may not switch boxes when the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball.

“If the batter attempts to switch boxes more than once per at-bat with the same pitcher pitching, the umpire will instruct him to return to the previous box. If the batter attempts to switch batter’s boxes after the pitcher has engaged the rubber with the ball, the umpire will call time, and then call the batter out.”

This interpretation is based on OBR 6.03(a)(2) [old rule 6.06b] and you wouldn’t have known that if you did not have a copy of the manual. So it is a good thing you asked, Mr. stl_ump.

Is this the compromise / interpretation of the Pat Venditte Rule?

[stl_ump]

Thanks for that info.

I did some more research last night and I believe this (switching sides) is discussed in the PBUC. I don't have a copy so I can't verify that or not. 

That being said, if it's not in the MLB rule book, how do we cite it as a rule if it's not in there. 

[maven]

Cite to whom? In a game, just explain that the batter may switch once per plate appearance.

[Rich Ives]

Senor Azul said:

According to the Wendelstedt Rules and Interpretations Manual (2013 edition, p. 119), a batter can only change boxes once per at-bat and pitcher.

 

“After the pitcher has initially indicated which arm he will deliver with, the batter may switch batter’s boxes only once that at-bat, per pitcher he faces. The batter may switch from one batter’s box if the pitcher is not prepared to pitch, however, he may not switch boxes when the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball.

 

“If the batter attempts to switch boxes more than once per at-bat with the same pitcher pitching, the umpire will instruct him to return to the previous box. If the batter attempts to switch batter’s boxes after the pitcher has engaged the rubber with the ball, the umpire will call time, and then call the batter out.”

 

My take is that as this limit is part of the original ambidextrous pitcher rule that it only applies if there is an ambidextrous pitcher. The pitcher may not switch but the batter switching part is no longer in the rule book.

 

[Senor Azul]

Here’s the interpretation from the PBUC you mentioned:

Facing an ambidextrous pitcher, the batter may switch positions one time, after which he will remain in that position throughout the at-bat. (6.15, PBUC 2004 edition)

And here’s a note from the 2016 edition of the BRD concerning that interpretation:

OBR added 5.07f in 2007, at which time PBUC deleted its OI for dealing with ambidextrous pitchers/batters. However, the OBR forgot to provide for switch-hitters. BRD recommends:  Use the PBUC interpretation.

[stl_ump]

4 hours ago, maven said:

Cite to whom? In a game, just explain that the batter may switch once per plate appearance.

And if the coach protests because of a wrong rule interp?  Then what?

[maven]

And if the coach protests because of a wrong rule interp?  Then what?

Who has the burden of proof?

[Rich Ives]

11 minutes ago, Senor Azul said:

Here’s the interpretation from the PBUC you mentioned:

 

Facing an ambidextrous pitcher, the batter may switch positions one time, after which he will remain in that position throughout the at-bat. (6.15, PBUC 2004 edition)

 

And here’s a note from the 2016 edition of the BRD concerning that interpretation:

 

OBR added 5.07f in 2007, at which time PBUC deleted its OI for dealing with ambidextrous pitchers/batters. However, the OBR forgot to provide for switch-hitters. BRD recommends:  Use the PBUC interpretation.

 

And it says "Facing an ambidextrous pitcher"  so it only applies then.

[stl_ump]

So then where does this leave the discussion?

Does the limit on the batter switching boxes apply to only ambidextrous pitchers or in all situations?

[noumpere]

19 minutes ago, stl_ump said:

So then where does this leave the discussion?

Does the limit on the batter switching boxes apply to only ambidextrous pitchers or in all situations?

I don't think it applies at all , anymore.

 

Back in 2013, or so, the rule was (paraphrased), "when a switch hitter faces an ambidextrous pitcher, each may switch once."  That caused some problems in a MiLB game, because the rule didn't' specify who had to "declare" first.

 

So, the rule was changed -- the pitcher must declare.  Once that was done, there was no need to limit the batter.  So, now, the batter can switch at will.

 

And, even if I'm wrong about it when there is an ambidextrous pitcher, I know I'm right about it for all other pitchers -- the batter can switch as many times as he wants.

[VolUmp]

On 10/1/2016 at 7:09 PM, noumpere said:

I don't think it applies at all , anymore.

THIS