Situation:
There is a runner on first base and the defense decides to have a mound visit or change their pitcher.
The offensive players group up to talk about strategy and the coach tells the player to go to second base instead of first base when the pitcher is ready.
If the defense, umpire, or official scorer don't notice this and a pitch is thrown, it is my understanding that the player cannot be put back to first after the pitch. This comes from an experience as a player in the past doing this same thing.
- Is it correct that once a pitch has been made, the player cannot be sent back to first?
- What would be the official scoring for this? A stolen base?
- If someone does notice in time, is there any precedence or rule for punishment to the offense? If not, why wouldn't more teams try this, especially at levels lower than professional baseball?
- Does anyone know of this actually happening in a major event? Say Professional or Major College baseball?
I understand that it would be seen as Bush League and often may be noticed by a member of the defense or an umpire. However, it could be a way to sneak a better scoring opportunity if there are no repercussions.