improper batter interpretation

[BretMan]

Yes, that one had me scratching my head, too.

Under rule 7-2, the "EFFECT" for sections B & C says that: "Batting out of order is an appeal play that may be made by the defensive team only".

Note that this rule does not specify the appeal must be made by an player.

Rule 8-7-I says that a dead-ball appeal may be made by: "Any infielder, with or without possession of the ball...on a runner missing a base or leaving a base too soon on a caught fly ball".

Note that this rule says two specific types of appeals must be made by a player. Also note that the Rules Supplement covering appeals posted above specifically refers to the same two base running violations.

And then there is the very definition of an Appeal Play (rule 1) that says an appeal can be made by someone other than a player, such as a coach or manager.