AboutMartin Hoover Expertise Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.
Experience Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire
Organizations Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors. I'm also the Information Officer for California District 49, as well as an umpire consultant for the district.
Education/Credentials Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics
Awards and Honors Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)
Question We play in a league that does not allow leading off. The pitcher was starting his windup and slipped, so he stopped his motion. There were runners on first and second. The ump called a balk and gave the runners second and third. I may be wrong but I thought you could only call a balk in a league that the runners can leadoff. What is the correct call?
Answer Jacob,
If this is a Little League, then the runners would not advance in this situation. It would be called an illegal pitch, and a ball would be awarded to the batter.
However, if you play in a different organization, you might need to check their rules in regards to an illegal pitch.
I hope this has answered your question. Should you have anymore, please do not hesitate to ask!
