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I am a USSSA umpire, and am pretty sure that this rule is the same throughout all associations, but I was told differently playing women's church softball last night. Can someone please clarify for me?
Batter in batter's box
League starts with a 1-1 count
Pitcher pitches a ball; count is now 2-1
We figure out we have the wrong batter in the box
We call time and tell the umpire we need to put the correct batter in the box.
He says "what? Wrong batter is in the box?"
I say "Yes", we want to put the correct batter in the box.
He says "Nope - batter is out!"
That was the third out.
I tried to go up to him calmly and explain that I didn't believe that was correct. He wouldn't listen to me.
I looked for an ASA rule book so I could quote the rule, but since I'm not sanctioned ASA, I can't get one except from a local commissioner. Can someone put the rule in writing on here please?
I thought it should be this:
WRONG batter in batter's box; 1-1 count
Pitcher pitches a ball; count is now 2-1
Wrong batter discovered by batting team
Batting team calls "time"
CORRECT batter assumes position in batter's box with count of 2-1
Penalty for having wrong batter in box is that they have to assume the same count as the wrong batter.
I know if the person would have batted and gotten on base and THEN it was brought to the umpire's attention - they would be out for batting out of order. Or at least that is how it is in USSSA.
Please help!
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