ML Batting out of Order

[ozzy6900]

Originally Posted by Jerry

Actually, "LeeBallanfant" poses an interesting scenario, now that I re-read the initial post. The Home team Manager may have a very legitimate question. It may not be a question of batting out of order at all. It could actually be an illegal player entering the game. Let me explain.

While an apparent improper batter is still at the plate, he may be replaced by the proper batter and assume the existing ball and strike count. In this case, when Baker was ejected from the game with a two strike count, Jackson came to the plate. In essence, Abel could have assumed that count, but Jackson was inserted as a Pinch Hitter for Abel . . . not as a replacement for Baker!

Using that scenario, when Abel came to bat after Jackson and then completed his turn, he was actually entering the game as an illegal substitute; as the replacement for Baker's yet unnamed substitute.

Now if that were the case, Abel would be declared "out" and ejected from the game. Jackson would replace Abel in the lineup, another bench player is named to replace Baker and Chambers would come to bat.

While not covered in the rules, this scenario is covered quite well in "The Rules of Professional Baseball:A Comprehensive Reorganization and Interpretation" by Chris Jaksa and Rick Roder.

I disagree, Jerry. Baker batted out of order, got ejected, then Jackson took his place & struck out. Able came to bat (out of order) and singled. That made Jackson (batting in Baker's slot) the proper batter. The next batter should have been Chambers.

Don't let the ejection of Baker confuse you.