Little league switch hit during an at bat

[Guest Big Vic]

Rule 6.06(b) only prevents a batter from switching boxes when the pitcher is "set". Does this mean that the batter may switch for each pitch? As long as the pitcher is not set?

[Gfoley4]

Yes. Obviously becomes a safety issue if the pitcher is ready to pitch and is set

[Senor Azul]

From the 2018 Casebook of Little League Baseball (Make The Right Call):

With a 2-2 count on a right-handed batter and the pitcher on the pitcher’s plate taking his/her sign, the batter decides to hit left handed and steps across the plate into the opposite batter’s box. The defense argues that he/she cannot switch batter’s boxes with two strikes and that he/she should be called out.

Ruling:  The batter may change batter’s boxes as often as he/she likes; provided that the pitcher is not in position ready to pitch. Since the pitcher in this scenario was not ready to pitch the batter’s actions are legal.

From the Little League website concerning the top myths:

6. The batter may not switch batter’s boxes after two strikes.

Approved Ruling: The batter may switch batter’s boxes at any time while the ball is dead. According to Rule 6.06(b), the batter may only be called out for stepping from one batter’s box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch. The number of balls or strikes on the batter is not relevant.

[noumpere]

That case play and ruling is the same in all rules codes.

[Richvee]

Interesting that “on the rubber taking signs” is not “ready to pitch”. 

F1 on the mound wind up position hands in front looking in.. batter can switch sides?  I would assume in such a case he needs to ask for and be granted time before switching.  

[beerguy55]

And for those who care - it's the same in softball where it is more common - you'll get someone try lefty running slaps for first two strikes and then switch to bat right handed after that.

[Rich Ives]

1 hour ago, Richvee said:

 “on the rubber taking signs” is not “ready to pitch”. 

  

True.  Not ready until after he gets the sign.  

[WilsonFlyer]

Interesting choice of verbiage on the ruling. "...while the ball is dead."