OBR - illegal substitute
 

I would like some opinions on this situation.

Strict OBR.

An illegal substitute comes to the plate. For the sake of argument, let's say this player had already been removed from the game and is now illegally reentering. Nobody notices the mistake ... not even the umpire.

The batter hits a homerun.

Then the defense appeals that the player was illegal.

Ruling?

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

David,

Interesting situation. I'm not sure the official interpretation. At the very least, the proper batter is out for batting out of order. That negates the HR. Should there be a more severe penalty such as the ejection of the manager? Perhaps if you knew it was intentional.

JP

BRD item 471: The only penalty for illegal reentry is removal of the offender from the game. All action in which the illegal substitute took part is legal.... Eject any illegal subs; but do not call any outs, cancel runs, send back runners, or disallow defensive plays. OBR treats an illegal sub like an illegal glove: Remove the glove, keep the play.

DG, Thanks!

I forgot that was covered in the BRD. I know I remember reading that at one time but I have completely forgotten about it.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN