Switch hitters

Depends on which rule code you are playing under...

NFHS and NCAA- when a pitcher wishes to pitch with either hand...if a switch hitter steps into the box the umpire will require the pitcher to declare which hand he will pitch with, after which the batter may choose whichever box he pleases.

The pitcher may not switch hands after delivering a pitch, but if the batter is replaced by a pinch hitter, the pitcher may switch.....

The batter may switch at any time.

OBR- a pitcher and a batter may change "handedness" once during an at-bat. Once chosen the pitcher and batter must remoain that way for the remainder of the at-bat, unless there is a pinch hitter then both may change one time.

OBR is a little less clear on whether or not a batter can switch if a new pitcher is put in the game. But using CSFP, I'd say they both would be allowed one switch.

Now to the game application of it all.....In all my years, I have never umpired a game with an ambidextrous pitcher and there seem to be very few actual switch hitters any more..........I actually only saw 1 switch hitter last season, and I say that with a grain of salt since all he did was bunt left handed.

piaa_ump,

I think the OP is asking about a situation in which the pitcher is not ambidextrous.

There is a PBUC ruling 6.15 Ambidextrous Pitcher, which says each can switch once. But I don't remember seeing a rule disallowing the batter from switching (assuming he isn't delaying by stepping out of the box) if the pitcher hasn't switched.

Here's an article about a recent stand-off. In it, Paul Klemm points out that rule 6.15 is incomplete, since it doesn't specify which player must choose first.
Ambidextrous Venditte

I think it was subsequently decided that an ambidextrous pitcher must choose first.

But back to the OP, I believe in OBR there is no direct prohibition on a batter switching if the pitcher doesn't, and he isn't delaying the game.

quote:

Originally posted by 3FingeredGlove:
piaa_ump,

Here's an article about a recent stand-off. In it, Paul Klemm points out that rule 6.15 is incomplete, since it doesn't specify which player must choose first.

Perhaps you're referring to Justin Klemm, Former MilB Umpire and Evans Grad who is in his first season as the new Executive Director of PBUC.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy03:

quote:

Originally posted by 3FingeredGlove:
piaa_ump,

Here's an article about a recent stand-off. In it, Paul Klemm points out that rule 6.15 is incomplete, since it doesn't specify which player must choose first.

Perhaps you're referring to Justin Klemm, Former MilB Umpire and Evans Grad who is in his first season as the new Executive Director of PBUC.

Jimmy is correct it is Justin Klemm. 3finger is correct with a non-ambideztrous pitcher, the batter mayt switch at will. The only restriction is the pitcher can't be ready to throw. If the batter switches too late then he is out.

A note to Jimmy:
I'm glad to see Justin get that job. I never was a fan of Fitzpatrick.

I agree on Fitzy. Unfortunately with his new job as a "special advisor" to MiLB, and Justin feeling his way around this first season, Fitzy is still throwing his substantial weight around.

Hopefully, that will change soon.

quote:

Originally posted by Jimmy03:
Perhaps you're referring to Justin Klemm, Former MilB Umpire and Evans Grad who is in his first season as the new Executive Director of PBUC.

Whoops! Don't know how I came up with "Paul". Yes, I was referring to Justin Klemm.

quote:

I think the OP is asking about a situation in which the pitcher is not ambidextrous.

good catch.....