DESIGNATED HITTER/ PLAYER AND FLEX
QUESTION: In high school baseball only, can the designated hitter (DH) bat for any starting player? Can there be a substitute for the (DH)? Can the (DH) play defense?
ANSWER: The (DH) role is optional and must be declared at the start of a game. Yes, the (DH) bats for any starting player in the lineup. If a substitute pinch hits or pinch runs for the (DH), the sub becomes the new (DH) while the original (DH) goes to the bench. The starting (DH) may re-enter the game but must return to the same batting slot in the lineup. If the (DH) plays defense or if the defensive player for whom the (DH) batted subsequently pinch hits, pinch runs or bats for the (DH), then the role of (DH) is terminated (BB- Rule 3, Sec. 1, Art. 4).
QUESTION: In high school softball only, is the designated hitter (DH) role available the same as in baseball? Is the designated player (DP) role strictly an offensive position? Is the Flex role only a defensive position?
ANSWER: The (DP) / FLEX is an option which must be stated at the start of the game. The (DP) slot is different than the baseball (DH) role. The (DP) is listed anywhere in the lineup (1-9) as a hitter for the FLEX. The FLEX is listed in the 10th lineup slot as a defensive player only. If the FLEX wants to bat, she must only bat in the (DP’s) batting slot. The (DP) and FLEX can never bat at the same time (SB- Rule 3, Sec. 3, Art. 6).
SCORING RUNS
QUESTION: In high school, baseball and softball, one out; runners on third and first; batter lofts a deep fly ball to center fielder who makes catch. Runner from third properly tagged up and scored. Runner from first left too soon and retreats to first base in an attempt to retag. Throw from center fielder to first base person is in time to put out returning runner for third out. Is this a force out play? Does the run score?
ANSWER: This is not a force out because the batter-runner was put out on the fly ball. This is a time play and the run would score if runner touched home plate prior to third out at first. (BB- Rule 8, Sec. 2, Art. 6, h; Rule 9, Sec. 1, Art. 1) (SB- Rule 9-1-1).
QUESTION: Runners on third and first; two outs; batter-runner singles to outfield as lead runner scores. Runner from first touches second but overslides the base and is tagged out after run scores. Force out? Does run score on third out?
ANSWER: Once the trail runner touched second properly, the force out is removed. Overslide is a subsequent action; hence, runner contacted plate prior to third out which was not a force out. Run scores. Three outs. (BB & SB- Rule 9, Sec. 1, Art. 1, b).
