Quote:
Originally posted by Andy
The official interpretaion is that a courtesy runner is not allowed in this situation.
The rationale is that the spirit and intent of the courtesy runner rule is for the pitcher and/or catcher to be able to rest after they have batted and reached base. In the scenario presented the pitcher did not bat and is not entitled to a courtesy runner.
It was felt, that in this situation, a coach is only trying to get a faster runner in the game without using up a substitution.
When the question was posed to me, my intial response was to allow it. I did not like that answer, but could not think of any ruling to disallow the courtesy runner in this situation.
Mike - Is this the same interp you have? I'm also interested to hear your opinion.
|
I don't believe this needs an "official" interpretation as it is clearly stated (at least in my mind) in the rule book.
Rule 10.E states that the courtesy runner is not permitted to run as a courtesy runner for the DP if the DP is batting for the pitcher or catcher.
Rule 10.B notes who is considered the pitcher and catcher in the bottom half of the first inning. It goes on to state:
"Thereafter, the pitcher and catcher are identified as the last players who physically played that position on defense. If a substitute enters in the following half inning and gets on base (DP in this case) should the pitcher or catcher (DEFO) reenter, no courtesy runner can be utulized for the pitcher or catcher that half inning".
The 2003 ASA Clinic guide basically says the same thing in simpler terms.