[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by SanDiegoSteve

So, I can't throw in a different rule set just for conversation's sake? Yeah, yeah, FED schmed. A group of monkeys got together and made some rules. Fine.

My response was aimed toward the claim by MTD, Sr. that all rule sets allowed the option of an on-deck hitter. I was merely pointing out that in OBR there is to be an on-deck hitter. Now of course, nobody in their right mind would allow someone on deck 12 feet from the plate. And there is not a penalty for nobody on deck in OBR. The umpire just instructs the on-deck batter to take his position in the circle (which is supposed to be 37' from the plate). And there is a huge penalty that follows when an umpire's order is not followed.

The other interp from Fitzpatrick stated that the on-deck batter must remain in the circle until announced at the beginning of an inning, or until the previous batter has completed his turn at bat. From this statement alone, it follows that there is supposed to be someone occupying the on-deck circle.

The important thing is that all rules codes (both baseball and fast pitch softball: NFHS, NCAA, OBR, ASA, USSSA) require the on-deck batter to be on his team's side of the dugout if he is going to be in live ball territory or he must be in dead ball territory (I know that OBR requires the on-deck batter to be in the on-deck circle on this team's dugout side of the diamond).

MTD, Sr.