HIGH SCHOOL DESIGNATED HITTER

[Guest djsreferee]

Playing under Federation High School baseball rules, here is the scenario: A DH is designated for the 2nd baseman Abel in the 5 spot at the beginning of the game. The DH reaches base and the coach puts Abel in to run for the DH. By rule, the role of the DH is now terminated. Later in the game, the coach wants to substitute the original DH for Abel and have him play second base and bat in the 5 spot. Is this legal? Can the DH reenter in this situation?

[Senor Azul]

2019 NFHS Case Book Play 3.1.4 Situation C:  F4, for whom the DH is batting, pinch hits or pinch runs for the DH. RULING:  The DH position is eliminated for the remainder of the game. However, the starting DH could re-enter as a player but not in the role of DH. If he does re-enter, he must re-enter in the same position in the batting order, replacing F4.

2019 NFHS rule 3-1 ART. 3 . . . Any of the starting players may be withdrawn and re-entered once, including a player who was the designated hitter, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he is in the lineup…

[catsbackr]

Senor Azul, as usual, is absolutely correct.

 

But to answer your questions simply, YES, this is legal and YES, the DH can reenter in this situation.

[maven]

2 hours ago, Guest djsreferee said:

Later in the game, the coach wants to substitute the original DH for Abel and have him play second base and bat in the 5 spot. Is this legal? Can the DH reenter in this situation?

Folks get confused by the DH rule, but it's actually simpler than OBR's (and WAY simpler than NCAA).

The DH by definition is a starter and has re-entry privilege. When the role of DH is terminated, the player still has his re-entry.

Because he's already in the lineup, that's the only place he may re-enter. And because the role of DH is terminated, if he re-enters on defense, his counterpart in the lineup (also a starter) will have to leave the game. And (assuming he hasn't already used it), he will also be able to re-enter.

Note that, in your play, if the ex-DH enters the game, F4 must leave the game. But the ex-DH does NOT have to play 2B: he may play any position (including pitcher).