Thread: Switch Pitchers
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Old Wed Jul 23, 2003, 07:48pm
Warren Willson Warren Willson is offline
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Quote:
Originally posted by CRBurks
What are the OBR rules regarding a switch pitcher. When is he permitted to change gloves and switch from right to left?…on one batter?…in between batters?…Does it constitute a pitcher change when he switches? If so, what are the ramifications of the pitcher change? Where are the OBR rules regarding switch pitchers?

Thank you,
The ambidextrous pitcher is covered by NAPBL/PBUC Umpire Manual, Section 6.14, which says:
    In the rare occasion of an ambidextrous pitcher, the pitcher and batter may each change position one time per at-bat. For example, if the pitcher changes from right-handed to left-handed and the batter then changes batter's boxes, each player must remain that way for the duration of that at-bat (unless the offensive team substitutes a pinch hitter, and then each player may again "switch" one time).{all original emphasis}
Changing hands does NOT constitute a pitcher change.

There doesn't appear to be any OBR rule or any JEA interpretation covering ambidextrous pitchers, but there is an IBA rule covering them for International competition:
    A pitcher must continue to pitch with the same arm for one batter until the batter becomes a runner or is put out [IBA 62]
I would suggest following the PBUC interpretation for any non-International OBR game.

Hope this helps

Cheers
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Warren Willson
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