The problem (i.e. the source of the confusion) is an error in syntax of the "throw the cow over the fence some hay" variety (what is thrown, cow or hay?).
The rule says,
Quote:
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"No runner shall be removed from the base occupied except the batter-runner who has been taken off the base by the umpire as in (2) above to bat in the proper place."
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To which player does the phrase "to bat in the proper place" apply?
If it is the BR (as a strict reading of the rules of English syntax would say), then this causes all kinds of misreading and confusion.
Obviously, the phrase "to bat in the proper place" is meant to apply to "No runner."
Hence, it is meant to be understood this way,
Quote:
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"No runner shall be removed from the base occupied to bat in the proper place except the batter-runner who has been taken off the base by the umpire as in (2) above."
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