Batting out of order - I need clarification

[kheisner]

FYI....I coach and now starting to umpire in the far south Chicago suburbs...rec and travel. I must admit this does happen mostly in rec.

Now that I'm starting to ump myself.....I'm finding out how many umpires don't take the time to visit chat rooms like this and make sure they do understand the rules. I've seen too many calls made that are myths. "Hands are part of the bat" was common in our league, until I started coaching in this league!! My players love me because I have yet to lose when I challenge an ump. (I never argue judgment calls.) Knowledge is power.