DP is pitcher on lineup card

[Gundog]

I recall a thread on this previously, but can't find it. Last weekend we had a game we wanted our pitcher (good hitter, average runner) as DP to give us the option for our flex (good runner) to run for her in a potential situation. As we presented the lineup card at pre-game conference, I informed the umpires that our DP was our pitcher, and asked how they would like that listed on the lineup card.

Opposing coach chimes in and says we couldn't do that - something about in HS ball the pitcher has to be listed in the F1 position and deliver at least one pitch -- I successfully argued that was not the case in ASA, but the umpires were confused. It worked out ok after some conversation, but how do you umpires on this forum prefer this presented on the initial line-up card? Obviously when you list Flex and DP, one defensive position on lineup card is not documented unless you would put (DP) (F1)? .

 

[canyonjoe]

Why wouldn't you just list her as Pitcher. I've never played in a tournament where you couldn't run for your pitcher and catcher?

 

[Gundog]

Courtesy runner must be a sub who has not been in the game. Don't always have that option late in game...so flex is a great alternative...

 

[BretMan]

Opposing coach chimes in and says we couldn't do that - something about in HS ball the pitcher has to be listed in the F1 position and deliver at least one pitch -- I successfully argued that was not the case in ASA, but the umpires were confused.

It's not the case in ASA...and it's not the case in HS ball, either.

The thing about the pitcher throwing at least one pitch only applies to determining if the pitcher is eligible for a courtesy runner or not. Look at the courtesy runner rule in their rule book and that is the only place you'll find anything about the pitcher "throwing one pitch". A lot of people confuse that and think that it is a blanket requirement for all pitching situations. It's not.

Some softball rule sets (I think maybe NSA) and most baseball rule sets do require a pitcher to face at least one batter when they enter the game, but that does not apply to HS or ASA softball.

What you were doing is perfectly legal. Just listing both "DP" and "F1" in some fashion that makes it clear what you're doing should be fine.

 

[riseball]

The DP is on offense and the Flex is on defense so not sure how you start the game with your pitcher at DP. You could list her as the Flex and then have her hit for the DP when the time comes but not sure why you would do that.

 

[Comp]

The DP is on offense and the Flex is on defense so not sure how you start the game with your pitcher at DP. You could list her as the Flex and then have her hit for the DP when the time comes but not sure why you would do that.

The rules allow the DP to play defense for any player other than the flex without it being a substitution. In the top of the 1st inning for courtesy runner priveledges the players identified on the lineup card as the pitcher and catcher are the ones eligible for courtesy runners. It is perfectly legal for the DP to play either pitcher or catcher, and as such they would be eligible for a courtesy runner. Putting DP and F1 on the lineup is perfectly fine, the player is the DP and she is playing F1 which identifies her as the pitcher in the top of the 1st inning. Putting a 1 next to the DP is exactly what an umpire is going to do any time a coach were to tell them the DP is going to pitch.

 

[riseball]

The rules allow the DP to play defense for any player other than the flex without it being a substitution. In the top of the 1st inning for courtesy runner priveledges the players identified on the lineup card as the pitcher and catcher are the ones eligible for courtesy runners. It is perfectly legal for the DP to play either pitcher or catcher, and as such they would be eligible for a courtesy runner. Putting DP and F1 on the lineup is perfectly fine, the player is the DP and she is playing F1 which identifies her as the pitcher in the top of the 1st inning. Putting a 1 next to the DP is exactly what an umpire is going to do any time a coach were to tell them the DP is going to pitch.

So you would then start the Flex not playing a defensive position?

 

[Gundog]

DP is not restricted to just offense. DP can play defense anytime for anyone but the flex. DP can play defense for the flex but then the flex has left the game and you are down to 9 players in lineup. If the player playing flex does come out of lineup, allowed one re-entry - but flex position in the lineup can be "reinstated" as many times as you want.

 

[Gundog]

So you would then start the Flex not playing a defensive position?

You could if you were only doing that to establish the flex position for later use in the game, but the situation I explained, we simply had one of the other girls on the lineup (not the flex) sit bench the first inning - and we often rotate. Useful when we need to take our third baseman out to warm-up if she needs to pitch next inning.

 

[Comp]

So you would then start the Flex not playing a defensive position?

Im not following you. The flex must play defense, if the flex is not on the field you would have an ureported substitution situation. The DP can play defense for anyone except the flex and it is not a substitution. If the DP does play defense for the flex then the flex has left the game and would have to use their reentry to come back.