COURTESY RUNNER
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, a separate courtesy runner (CR) is allowed for the pitcher and catcher positions. Must these players be specified at the pre-game conference? Is a courtesy runner (CR) considered a regular substitution?
ANSWER: The (CR) must be a player on the bench (sub) who is not playing in the game at the time. He/ she may not run for the both the pitcher and catcher during the game. Once a pitcher and / or catcher reach base, if the coach chooses to use a (CR), the coach will announce to the plate umpire which substitute will become the (CR). This announcement can occur at anytime during the at bat/ inning.
The (CR) is not a substitution for the pitcher or catcher, neither of whom need to leave their batting / fielding position in the lineup (BB- Rule 10, Speed-Up Rules; SB- Rule 8, Sec. 9, Art. 1-7).
QUESTION: Foxx is a starting player and is replaced in the lineup by Gregg. The catcher, Hanks, singles. Can Foxx, who is now on the bench, become a courtesy runner for the catcher?
ANSWER: No. Players in the game or who have already participated in the game cannot serve as (CR). If offense chooses, they must select a sub who has not yet entered the game. It is optional for offense to use a (CR) during the game (BB & SB Rules- same as noted above).
