Expert: Rick Bundy - 4/24/2009

Question
On a ball hit to the outfield that either gets by the fielder or hit to the gap, what is the pitcher's responsibility?  No runners on base.  All players in this league are 12 or under, and the youngest is 10.  This league allows lead offs and steals if that makes any difference. (I say this because the pitcher having the ball on the mound or in the vicinity of the mound doesn't mean the runner can't advance.)

Answer
Tracy:  Thank you for your question.

In the situation you describe, once the pitcher can see the ball has gotten by the fielder, they should go into foul territory, half way between third base and home. From there they are able to go to either third or home, based on what they see in front of them.

When they have made that determination, they should get in line with the throw, as far back as possible, which generally puts them against the fence or backstop.

Often, pitchers don't get far enough back, then if there is an overthrow, the ball gets by them.  If it gets into the dugout, or bounces over the fence, the runner scores.

This process is the same for pitchers, with runners on base also.  It just provides them with an in between point while they make the decision as the play develops.

Enjoy your season.  Sounds like a fun league for the kids.

Yours in baseball,

Rick