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)
Expert: Martin Hoover Date: 7/20/2008 Subject: False end of inning
Question Here is the little league situation. We are the home team and in the field. Our pitcher strikes out the batter. The umpire calls it the third out. Both teams switch. Our first batter is walked and is on first base. The opposing coach complains that there were only two outs recorded during their at bat. Our scorekeeper, the Dad of one of our players, agrees that there were only two outs. The umpire rules that we must go back and finish the previous inning. The opposing team then scores another run and we record the third out. When we start the next inning the umpire also rules that our batter, who previously walked, must bat again. I think the correct ruling should have been the third out appeal was illegal. The half inning should not have been revisited for the third out, and our player should have stayed on first. What do you think?
Answer Larry,
The official scorekeeper should have alerted the umpire that there were only two outs. I also blame the coaches and umpire for not keeping track themselves.
However, once the teams switch, the third out is assumed, and we continue play. There is no way that we can go back to a previous inning.
I hope this has answered your question. Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask.
