Can a base ball player switch hit during the same at bat?

Question

Is there a rule that prevents this? What famous player has done this?

Answer 1

No rule prevents this. In the case of a switch hitter vs. a switch pitcher, the batter has the final choice.

Answer 2

Official baseball rule 6.0 does not prevent a batter from switching from one batter's box to the other in the same at-bat. Rule 6.0 only states that the batter cannot switch sides when the pitcher is set and ready to pitch, or while the pitcher is in his/her delivery motion. Since the language of this rule suggests that the batter can switch sides if the pitcher isn't ready to pitch, and does not specifically prevent it, the batter can switch sides during the same at-bat.

Answer 3

From the MLB rule book

6.02 (a) The batter shall take his position in the batter's box promptly when it is his time at bat.
(b) The batter shall not leave his position in the batter's box after the pitcher comes to Set Position, or starts his windup.

6.06 A batter is out for illegal action when-
(b) He steps from one batter's box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch;

Rule 6.06(b) is interpreted to mean the batter will be called out for changing boxes when the pitcher is in contact with the rubber. Umpires can sometimes prevent this from happening and are expected to try by stopping the batter’s action before he completes it. Other than that there are no restrictions to a switch-hitter switching boxes during one plate appearance.

Answer 4

Let me add to this.

The only time he can switch boxes is when the pitcher is not in pitching position. This is true.

Should the Pitcher change hands the batter may be afforded the chance to change boxes. True.

In HS baseball, the pitcher must declare first and may not change his choice for the same at-bat. In pro ball it is covered in the league manuals given to umpire before the start of each seasson. My minor league manual as of 1999 (my final year in the minors) said that once the pitcher and batter were in position ot start the at-bat, neither can change. Don't know if that has changed.

Answer 5

You can switch sides of the plate at any time during the at bat as long as the pitcher isn't in the ready position or has started his windup. As for anyone famous who has done this, I don't know. It's happened often when a team switches to a different pitcher (who throw with the opposite hand) during the at bat, but I don't know anyone who's done it otherwise.

Answer 6

I strongly suspect not, but I can't find it in Rule 6, which covers batters.

I'd go with the answer that you will get from Ryan R. The man has been an umpire for more than long enough to know the rules and probably recite them in his sleep. Ryan, that's a compliment.

Answer 7

Changing sides is legal with some restrictions.

I don't recall their names, but there were three pitchers again whom Pete Rose did not bat opposite; he just didn't hit them well from the traditional other side. So maybe he found that out the hard way.

Answer 8

I remember Larry Walker doing it during an all-star game while facing Randy Johnson several years ago, as a little joke (I don't think he's a real switch hitter). He reversed his batting helmet too (only the ear facing the pitcher is covered). It was funny.

Answer 9

This question AGAIN -- FOR THE MILLIONTH TIME????!!!!

YES. No rule prevents it. Anyone who says otherwise is making things up.

The only restriction on switching boxes is you can't do it when the pitcher is in position and ready to pitch.

Answer 10

i thought you couldnt after 2 strikes on batter.