Correctable Error?

[lawump]

To be fair:

I just read in J/R that there are no interpretations (as of at least 1995 when my J/R was published) that state what to do if an "illegal substitution" occurs. That is, a player "re-enters" a game. The manual just says do what is "fair".

ARRRRHHHH...

So, I guess that in McCrowder's situation, in a professional game, if the base coach was (1) listed on the line-up card as a player and (2) already been in the game and substituted for and (3) then pulls the stunt of stepping on to first as a runner without being immediately noticed:

Then....I'm screwed!!!! What the hell is fair?

I will guarantee one thing: The base coach/illegal substitute is getting tossed, and his manager is going with him on GP's.

Very interesting thread.

This does nothing, however, to change my opinion as to the awarding of first on the balk that was in the original post.