Quote:
Originally Posted by Stevetheump
Illegal bat - Rule 3.1
Altered bat - Rule 3.1.J.
I try to use as much "preventive umpiring" as I can. If I see a problem, I deal with it NOW, not later. In this case, I see him stepping in the batter's box with an illegal or altered bat, I'm ruling on it NOW, BEFORE any further action happens (which will only complicate matters).
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Speaking ASA 2009 Rule Book
The word "illegal" does not appear in 3.1 and Altered Bat specifically directs the reader to Rule 7.6.B which is not in effect until the batter enters the box. Rule 7.6.C covers a player using an illegal bat and it, too, specifically requires the batter to enter the box.
If you see it before the batter comes to the plate, you do what I did at a Men's Major Church NC. You confiscate the bat, throw it over the backstop and ask another umpire or someone from the tournament committee to lock it up.
And "intent" isn't relevant at any time.
