If a switchhitter comes to the plate and takes a couple of pitches batting left-handed and then decides he might be better off batting right-handed, can he switch during that at-bat, or does he have to continue batting left-handed
2007-03-22 05:08:03 · 12 answers · asked by Robert B 2 in Sports ➔ Baseball
A batter may change sides if there is a pitching change but he may only switch once. A pitcher, on the other hand, must face at least one batter before being taken out, so the batter will likely only need to switch once. If there is no pitching change, the batter cannot switch sides.
2007-03-22 05:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by mmariners10 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
According to Rule 6.02 (b), "the batter shall not leave his position in the batter's box after the pitcher comes to a set position, or starts his windup. If the pitcher pitches, the umpire shall call ball or strike as the case may be."
There is nothing in the rule book, however, that penalizes a batter who switches position before a pitcher is ready to pitch.
When i played I often would go up to bat righthanded for the first pitch (i'm virtually blind in my left eye) and make a horrible swing. Then I would switch sides. Often times the defense would adjust thinking I was a weak hitter and then I'd lay the hammer down. That trick only works once a game and you're liable to get plunked the second time your up.
2007-03-24 01:00:53 · answer #2 · answered by S Fine 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can switch. For example, if a relief pitcher were to come into the game, he most likely would change his batting side to be the opposite of the pitcher.
Chow!!
2007-03-22 18:57:29 · answer #3 · answered by No one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe he can change sides during the at bat, but would have to get a different batting helmet.
2007-03-23 10:31:27 · answer #4 · answered by ropar 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How many times do we need to answer this question?
The batter may switch boxes as often as he wants, as long as he doesn't do so when the pitcher is in position and is ready to pitch. It is a myth that he can't switch with two strikes on him.
Note that anyone who says he can't switch won't be able to support their argument with a rule citation. That should tell you something.
2007-03-22 13:01:20 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan R 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
He has to continue batting left handed.
2007-03-22 12:12:18 · answer #6 · answered by red4tribe 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
He has to continue from the same side unless they change pitchers in the middle of his at bat.
2007-03-22 12:40:22 · answer #7 · answered by grumpyoldman 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
He can switch between pitches
2007-03-25 02:08:02 · answer #8 · answered by skisram 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, once he steps into the batters box he can't switch sides, even if the other team changes pitches.
2007-03-22 14:17:30 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
He hast to continue on the side of the plate that he started from.
2007-03-22 12:15:39 · answer #10 · answered by J-Far 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋