What occurs if a batter uses a bat with a "tacky" substance exceeding the limit before entering the box?

In the scenario where a batter uses a bat with a "tacky" substance that exceeds the allowable limit before entering the batter's box, the most appropriate outcome is that the batter may obtain a legal bat without penalty. This is because the regulations concerning equipment are designed to ensure fairness and safety in the game. When a batter is found to be using an illegal bat before their turn at bat, instead of facing immediate consequences, they are given a chance to rectify the situation by obtaining a bat that complies with the established standards. This allows for continued play without punishing the player in a manner that could be viewed as overly harsh or detrimental to the game.

In contrast, the other options would lead to outcomes that are either overly punitive or misaligned with the purpose of ensuring that the game proceeds fairly and with adherence to the rules. Immediate penalties such as declaring the batter out or calling off the game do not reflect the principles of corrective action in sportsmanship or regulation enforcement. The focus is on maintaining the integrity of the game while allowing players the opportunity to compete within the rules.