Quote:
Originally posted by Michael Taylor
OK, using your logic answer what happened to the BR. Did he get called out for advancing on the walk and batting improperly? If so then the runner must return.
If you are saying enforce the balk then the batter is still at bat. Therefore, the batter is simply switched. You can't have it both ways.
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The B-R (an improper batter) was removed from 1st base having advanced there illegally - base not acquired so
enforce the balk.
The proper batter (yet to appear at the plate in this inning) is called out on appeal for allowing his team mate to complete his at bat out of turn - base not acquired so
enforce the balk.
According to 6.07(b.2)Note, R1's advance is LEGAL because he advanced on the balk - neither the proper batter NOR the improper batter legally acquired a base because the BOT appeal was upheld. See 8.05 Penalty.
What you apparently want to do is to cancel the BOT penalty because the defense balked on ball 4? If they had balked on any other pitch,
except ball 4 or a dropped 3rd strike, then R1 would still be entitled to advance and the BOT penalty would remain on the table for later. Why not on those two pitches?
I think the problem is in presuming that enforcing the balk somehow means the batter cannot be out. Thereby hangs the entire dilemma in the subject scenario. But consider that the purpose of the balk rule is to protect the
BASE RUNNER from illegal deception by the pitcher,
not to protect the batter from an out on appeal for failing to bat in his proper turn.
Cheers