When the proper batter is declared out because he has failed to bat in turn, the next batter shall be:

• A. The batter who batted improperly.
• B. The proper batter who should have batted.
• C. The batter whose name follows the proper batter thus called out.
• D. The batter the opposing team chooses.

Answer: (B)

The rule here is that the batting order must be followed exactly. When the proper batter is declared out for failing to bat in his turn, the next batter to come to the plate is the one who should have batted next in the lineup. This keeps the sequence intact and ensures only the batter at fault is penalized. For example, if the lineup is A, B, C and B fails to bat, B is out and the batter who should have batted—C—comes to the plate next. The other options don’t fit because the defense cannot choose who bats, and the person who actually batted out of order isn’t the one who should be next in the official sequence.