International rules?

[dan]

In our co-rec game tonight, the umpire said we would play our extra inning(s) under international rules - One out and the last batter from the last inning on second.

I know about the runner from second, but one out?

Hadn't heard that one before.

Seems to be a disadvantage to a team that has a guy due up first - they are not guaranteed two guys getting to bat that inning.

 

[eddieq]

He likely meant the "International Tiebreaker" rule. In ASA/USA you place the "player scheduled to bat last" on second base and begin the half inning. No "initial outs" are recorded, so it's possible he was confused or made that part up.

It's typically not the "last batter from last inning" although that often does coincide. Basically, if the number 5 batter in the order is supposed to lead off, put number 4 on second.

MLB started doing this in the last couple of years but I think they call it the "ghost runner".