text: is the coach right? johnny is substituted at 3rd base for jimmy, but does not report to the umpire. he catches a line drive for the first out of the next inning. the offense appeals to the umpire who says johnny is legal. as long as there was a pitch thrown, this makes johnny legal right? i believe this is the answer to your question.   3.08 (a) if no announcement of a substitution is made, the substitute shall be considered as having entered the game when_ (1) if a pitcher, he takes his place on the pitcher's plate; (2) if a batter, he takes his place in the batter's box;  (3) if a fielder, he reaches the position usually occupied by the fielder he has replaced, and play commences; (4) if a runner, he takes the place of the runner he has replaced. (b) any play made by, or on, any of the above mentioned unannounced substitutes shall be legal.