FP Softball courtesy runner

Question
How many times can a courtesy runner (listed as wearing #4)come in to run for (ex: the pitcher) if the pitcher reaches safely after every time at bat? According to rule book, "any player, starter or sub may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered once, provided such player occupies same batting pos. whenever in the line-up.

Answer
Hi Art,

Thank you for your question.  #4 can courtesy run for either the pitcher or catcher an unlimited amount of times, but it must only be for one or the other the entire game.  When a courtesy runner runs, the result is that the eligibility of neither the pitcher or catcher, nor that of the courtesy runner, is affected.  The courtesy runner is not a substitute when she runs, nor are the pitcher or catcher leaving the game.  In fact, since the courtesy runner is running for the pitcher's position or the catcher's position, not the actual player, the courtesy runner can run for a different player every time, as long as that different player is still either the pitcher or the catcher.  After a player courtesy runs once, they are not "stuck" as a courtesy runner.  They could still enter the game as a regular player.

As a side note, umpires love it when a coach uses a courtesy runner for their catcher.  A game's biggest time gobbler is when the third out is made while the catcher is a base runner.  Then she has to trot off the field and don all her gear before coming back in on defense.

Scott Kelly