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: 7/18/2008 Subject: Stealing
Question I'm an average athletic but my sister is awesome. She's a sports freak. Baseball is her favorite. She is at her best in track & field and cross country. Tons of trophies, etc. Our small town has had lots of arguments over rules lately. We are not a sanctioned team but we follow the Cal Ripken rulebook with a few exceptions. We only go up to the 12 & under league, then players switch to the neighboring town. Our mom recently joined the board and is concerned about making sure that the rules are clear in order to stop the arguments (next year). Mom is also helping as assistant coach. My sister is a good hitter with 5 home runs this season and only 1 strike out. So they usually try to walk her. She occasionally steals 2nd on a walk. This is legal, right? She has NEVER EVER been tagged out on a steal. Recently, she had a question. Can she steal home when the catcher is in the process of throwing the ball back to the pitcher? She always has a good lead off & is very fast. I don't think that she would have any problem with getting there in time. Mom thought it was Okay but told her not to worry about trying just so as to avoid arguments. Next year sis is moving up to the boys SN league in the next town. There hasn't ever been a girl on that team before but the coaches are excited about having her come. But my mom will still need to have this question answered. Could you give a page # or rule # that would cover these 2 issues? Thank you very much. Sam
Answer Samuel,
I will let you know first off that I am not familiar with Cal Ripkin Rules, but I would assume they are similar to Little League in regards to stealing. There is nothing restricting a runner from advancing to 2nd on a walk. They have not completed their at bat until they stop. As long as your sister continues forward motion, it shouldn't be an issue, as there are no rule restricting it.
On your second question, she can steal when the catcher is throwing back to the pitcher, and you see this a lot at the younger levels. Once again, there is nothing restricting this as no one has possession of the ball, and your sister (or any runner for that fact) may advance at their own risk.
I hope this has answered your questions. Should you have anymore, please don't hesitate to ask!
