Rule 2

Section 14:

Designated Hitter

Article 1...

     The use of a Designated Hitter (DH) is not required but, if a team intends to use a DH it must be announced to the Head Umpire (HU) prior to the start of the game. Name and uniform number on the lineup sheet presented to the HU or Official Score keeper must indicate the DH and the Defensive Player (DP) for whom the DH is batting. Only one DH role maybe used per game. If one team opts to use the DH, the opposing team is not required to do the same.

Article 2...

     The DH and the DP are “locked” in the lineup. The DP may be substituted for provided the active DH is not the replacement; the DH may be substituted for provided the active DP is not the replacement. If the active DH takes the field, the DP for whom the DH was batting must leave the game and the role of DH is terminated for the remainder of the game. If the active DP bats, the DH who was batting must leave the game and the role of DH is terminated for the remainder of the game.

Article 3...

     the active DH may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under Twelfth Run Rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute for any player, including the DP or DH. The active DP may be substituted out and, after 6 outs (3 outs under Twelfth Run Rule) may re-enter the game as an eligible substitute for any player, including the DH or DP.

Article 4...

     If a team uses the DH but fails to notify the Head Umpire and / or Official Score keeper prior to the start of the game, the penalty for an ineligible player will be imposed and the role of DH will be terminated for the remainder of the game for that team.

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