Swtich hitting

[fguyton]

Originally posted by sgtchesty
This is easy... it just happened to me in a game. As already written in previous responses, there is no clear written rule on restricting a batter to bat the entire at bat from one side or the other. Can the batter switch sides... 1, 2, 3... times per at bat? No written rule. Common sense says no. The pitcher is required by rule to pitch either as a right or left hander so... the batter should be required to bat from either the right or left side period. The batter should not be allowed to switch sides unless a relief pitcher comes in.

The rule book is not at all even close to being clear on this situation, we have to use our common sense and good judgement in this situation. Batter can't change sides just as a pitcher can't. Rule 6.1.1(note) The best rule I find for the batter is 7.1.1 The batter "shall take his position within a batters box." Again common sense... a meaning one.

Several have said that a batter can change sides one time... where in the world does that come from?

Bottom line... we all have to make the call when it happens. Don't let the game become a "game." If the pitcher is required to pitch either right or left handed then it's only fair that the batter commit to batting either right or left handed!!! In that situation the pitcher should commit first to pitching right or left handed then the batter choose right or left.

My 2 cents worth.

Obviously the situation has been considered by those that make the rules and they chose to only address the pitcher. It concerns me when umpires start making up rules because that's the way they think it should be in the name of "common sense" or "protecting the game".

Interpret and enforce the rules... don't create them.