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.
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 are currently in the all stars and had a call that made no sense. We had a runner on 1st and 2nd, our batter was up and a wild pitch was made, our batter stepped out of the way (out of the box) and our 2 runners advanced to 3rd and 2nd. The umpire called the runner on 3rd out for interference. When the coach asked what had happened the umpire stated it was a judgement call. We only get 4 games and the same umpire pulled this 2 times on us, and the other team is just as confused as we are, but they get the win. This has cost us our championship, and alls that is said is it is there judgement call, without an explanation. Could you help, so this doesn't happen to us again. This is Junior Little League in Iowa. Thanks
Answer Lori,
Chances are, the umpire sees the batter interfering with the throw. If this was the case, he is correct, it is interference. However, by rule 6.06 (c), the batter is out, not the runner.
I would question the umpire on this matter. Ask if it was interference on the batter, then question the interpretation of the rule to state the batter is out, not the runner.
