Last batted out

[Guest TDIETZ]

A group of us were trying to find the rule what makes you the "last batted out "  

[Mister B]

I would assume by the name, it was the last batter to complete an at bat and was called out. 

So, if there were no outs and R1, B/R rips a line drive to F3, who catches it, and then touches 1B for a double play on R1, who didn't make it back in time. So even though R1 was the last out, the B/R was the last batted out. 

R1 and R2, B5 is up, B4 was a K. B5 grounds into a FC at 3B. B4 is the last batted out. If there were no outs, R2 would be the last batted out. 

[maven]

Look in the appropriate rule book. Neither FED/HS baseball nor pro baseball uses the term, so you won't find it there.

[Lou B]

32 minutes ago, Mister B said:

R1 and R2, B5 is up, B4 was a K. B5 grounds into a FC at 3B. B4 is the last batted out. If there were no outs, R2 would be the last batted out. 

How can R2 be the last batted out when he didn't make an out when he batted?

If B5 grounds into an FC why is he not the last batted out, an out was recorded when he batted?

If an FC does not count as a batted out then answer this: Top of the first inning, first batter walks, second batter grounds into an FC at second.  Third batter grounds into an FC at second.  Fourth batter grounds into an FC at second. Three outs,  who is the last batted out?

[Mister B]

5 minutes ago, Lou B said:

How can R2 be the last batted out when he didn't make an out when he batted?

Because he was the last to complete an at bat and make an out. 

 

6 minutes ago, Lou B said:

If B5 grounds into an FC why is he not the last batted out, an out was recorded when he batted?

Because he wasn't out. 

 

8 minutes ago, Lou B said:

If an FC does not count as a batted out then answer this: Top of the first inning, first batter walks, second batter grounds into an FC at second.  Third batter grounds into an FC at second.  Fourth batter grounds into an FC at second. Three outs,  who is the last batted out?

Okay, I'll amend my initial answer. The last batter to complete an at bat and be called out or complete his at bat on or just prior to the third out. 

R1 and R2 with 2 outs, R2 gets picked off for the third out. R1 would be the last batted out. 

[Senor Azul]

2019 OBR 5.04(a)(3) The first batter in each inning after the first inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last player who legally completed his time at bat in the preceding inning.

5.04(c) Completing Time at Bat

A batter has legally completed his time at bat when he is put out or becomes a runner.

2018 NFHS rule 7-1 ART. 2 . . . After the first inning, the first batter in each inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last batter who completed his time at bat in the preceding inning.

 

[noumpere]

I assume (yeah, I know) this came up because some league has a courtesy runner or special substitution rule that allows the "last batted out" to take the place of someone on offense.

Some interpret it as the FED "the last batter not currently on base."

Some interpret it as "the last batter to make an out."  That is, the batter's turn at bat ends with an "out" recorded in that at-bat's section of the score sheet) -- in the multiple FC example above, there is no "last batted out" -- if this was to start the game, then go to the 9th (or last) batter in the order).

Some interpret it as "the last out recorded" -- so if a runner is out on a FC (or caught stealing, etc.), that runner is the "last batted out';"  if the runner scores, he is NOT the "last batted out."

The leagues I worked that had this usually wanted the middle option above.  But, you will need to ask your league.

[Lou B]

13 hours ago, Mister B said:

R1 and R2 with 2 outs, R2 gets picked off for the third out. R1 would be the last batted out. 

How can R1 be the last batter out when he never was put out?  He didn't make an out when he batted and he didn't make an out while on base.

To me, the last batted out is the last batter who, while batting, made an out or hit into a fielder's choice (caused a runner to be put out).  For the purpose of calculating a batting average a fielders choice is the same as an out.

 

I agree that the original question is for a Continuous Batting Order where a runner becomes ill or injured or is ejected and the Rule says the runner is replaced by the player who made the "last batted out".  That way the manager can't just put his fastest runner on base.

The easiest Rule is the last player put out or the last player in the batting order.

[StrikeToWin]

We have this rule in USSSA tournaments that I work.  I tell coaches at the plate meeting when discussing courtesy runners that it is the last player to record an out whether it was a player that was forced or tagged on the bases or the one that popped out to the catcher.  The whole idea of the rule is to get your catchers back in the dugout so they are ready to go when it is their turn to go out on defense.  I have had teams searching their scorebooks trying to figure out who was the last batted out.  It takes more time than just letting the catcher run.  Never had a coach get upset about it as long as they know up front.

[beerguy55]

On 7/8/2019 at 7:51 AM, StrikeToWin said:

We have this rule in USSSA tournaments that I work.  I tell coaches at the plate meeting when discussing courtesy runners that it is the last player to record an out whether it was a player that was forced or tagged on the bases or the one that popped out to the catcher.  The whole idea of the rule is to get your catchers back in the dugout so they are ready to go when it is their turn to go out on defense.  I have had teams searching their scorebooks trying to figure out who was the last batted out.  It takes more time than just letting the catcher run.  Never had a coach get upset about it as long as they know up front.

It's a misnomer.

It's really the furthest player from the batter in the lineup who is available...that is USUALLY the last person out, but not always - that could also be the first person to get out, or someone who didn't get out but scored.   eg. two batters get out, next batter gets a home run, next two batters reach base, and then catcher walks.  The guy who got the home run should be the courtesy runner, as he's the furthest from the current batter.