Expert: Martin Hoover - 6/10/2008

Question
Hi Martin.  In our instructional league - ages 7-9 boys, the ball has to be hit on to the outfield grass in order to possibly have a double. ANYTHING in the infield could only be a single & any runners on base are ONLY allowed one base as well.  What if runners are on first & second & a ball is hit close to the outfield but lands on the infield & the 3rd base coach doesn't see that & sends the boy running home for a second base?  Is it a dead ball & they send the runner back saying ' it's a maximum of 1 base, get back to third ' or do they tag the boy & call him out because he quote ' over-ran the base ' by running for the second base?  Keep in mind, neither the runner nor the coach know exactly where the ball was hit. Thank you.

Answer
Abe,

I would recommend that you present this problem to your Board of Directors.  Since they were the ones to implement the rules to begin with, they would need to make a ruling.  Keep in mind that this is an instructional league, and the purpose is to educate the players.   I would let the play stand and continue the game.  Seeing as there is no standings being kept since it is instructional, I would just follow up with your board.

I hope this has helped.  Should you have anymore questions, please feel free to ask.

-Martin Hoover