The rule book is unclear on pitcher re-entry. Knowing a pitcher can only re-enter once during the same inning. Can pitcher A be substituted for by pitcher B or C in inning 2 and can pitcher A,B, or C re-enter in innings 3,4 etc? Can your starting pitcher stay in the game and come back in to pitch in different innings through out the game?

NFHS uses the word "re-entry" to specifically apply to the situation in which any player (not just a pitcher) started the game, was withdrawn (i.e. taken out of the game) and then re-enters the game. Only a starter may re-enter, and he may only do so once.

Pitchers can be replaced by either withdrawing them from the game, or by moving them to a different defensive position. A pitcher who is withdrawn may only re-enter the game once just like any other player, but he doesn't necessarily have to take the mound immediately upon re-entry.

A pitcher who is replaced by switching to a different defensive position may return to the mound once per inning. I suppose that in principle a player could start an inning as F9, move to F1, move to F9, move to F1, and finally return to F9 all in the same inning, and then do a similar series of moves in subsequent innings.

As a practical matter, many state organizations have rules limiting the number of appearances which may restrict this kind of activity, depending on how an "appearance" is defined. Also, this behavior would slow down the game, and I suspect that many umpires would start awarding a ball to a batter if the next pitch didn't arrive within 20 seconds.

The starting pitcher can be removed from the game re-enter just like any starter. Once he has pitched to the first batter of the game he may leave the mound and return once an inning. Any substitute ptcher may move to another position and return once an inning. If he leaves the game, he is done for the game. The only exceptions are the visit or sub rules can't be violated or the sub uses more than eight preparitory pitches.

My head is spinning. Can we just play baseball?

quote:

Originally posted by #1 sports fan:
The rule book is unclear on pitcher re-entry.

In reality, the rule book is quite clear. See Mr. Taylor's post.

As one who coached in the neanthedral days I never dealt with the re entry DH etc as a matter of fact. Did not spend a lot of time debating on the nuances of re entry. you made a change pinch hitter etc etc and played on. as a coach when you made the decision it was final it took a little bit of thought. Late in the game do you pinch hit for your ss knowing that you sort of compromise your teams defense, Now ph and then re enter? Not much of a decision. Also tell a kid to play defense and have somebody dh for him? somehow not baseball.