To visit or not to visit...that is the question!

[whitecane12]

Ok, ladies and gents... I had an interesting discussion with some experienced umpires and coaches on this one and would like to read what you have to say.

The discussion centered on what constitutes and official visit to the pitcher especially when a change is being made. Since Little League (Juniors and up) rules allow for a pitcher to be removed from the mound, moved to a playing position and then brought back to the mound a maximum of once per inning, the question then is whether or not at the time the pitcher is swapped for another pitcher, does that count as a visit.

In other words, let's say a coach has visited his pitcher three times already in this game. The rules state that on the 4th visit that pitcher must be removed and cannot return to the mound in that game. The manager calls for and is granted time. He goes straight to the plate umpire and announces that he is moving his pitcher to left field and bringing the left fielder in to pitch. After the new pitcher strikes out the next batter, the manager requests time and it is granted. He goes straight to the plate umpire and says he's bringing the starting pitcher back to the mound.

Does the plate umpire allow the switch or does he inform the manager that the swap made earlier constitutes a 4th visit and his starting pitcher is ineligible even though the manager never actually "visited" the pitcher?

Ok...have at it you guys and gals!