may take position in the batter’s box at any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and assume the proper batter’s balls and strikes. (b) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted play, the umpire shall (1) declare the proper batter out; and (2) nullify any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter’s advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise. NOTE: If a runner advances, while the improper batter is at bat, on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such advance is legal. (c) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before an appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the proper batter, and the results of time at bat become legal. (d) (1) When the proper batter is called out for failing to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter thus called out; (2) When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is made before the next pitch, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of such legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter’s actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter. NOTE 1: The umpire shall not direct the attention of any person to the presence in the batter’s box of an improper batter. NOTE 2: When a player bats out of turn, the proper batter is the player called out. If an improper batter bats and reaches base or is out and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next batter, or before any play or attempted play, that improper batter is considered to have batted in proper turn and establishes the order that is to follow. APPROVED RULINGS To illustrate various situations arising from batting out of turn, assume a first inning batting order as follows: Abel-Baker-Charles-Daniel-Edward-Frank-George-Henry-Irwin. PLAY (1). Baker bats. With the count of two balls and one strike, (a) the offensive team discovers the error or (b) the defensive team appeals. RULING: In either case, Abel replaces Baker, with the count two balls and one strike. PLAY (2). Baker bats and doubles. The defensive team appeals (a) immediately or (b) after a pitch to Charles. RULING: Abel is called out and Baker is the proper batter; (b) Baker stays on second and Charles is the proper batter. PLAY (3). Abel walks. Baker walks. Charles forces Baker. Edward bats in Daniel’s turn. While Edward is at bat, Abel scores and Charles goes to second on a wild pitch. Edward grounds out, sending Charles to third. The defensive team appeals immediately or (b) after a pitch to Daniel. RULING: (a) Abel’s run counts and Charles is entitled to second base since these advances were not made because of the improper batter batting a ball or advancing to first base. Charles must return to second base because the advance to third resulted from the improper batter batting a ball. Daniel is called out and Edward is the proper batter. (b) Abel’s run counts and Charles stays on third. The proper batter is Frank. PLAY (4). With the bases full and two out, Henry bats in Frank’s turn, and triples, scoring three runs. The defensive team appeals (a) immediately or (b) after a pitch 39