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Baseball Instruction/Basepath
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Question
My son was recently playing in an 11U tournament sponsored by Triple Crown, supposedly playing by established High School baseball rules. On a particular play, a teammate of his had made it to 3rd base. As the opposing pitcher was getting ready to pitch to a new batter, the runner at 3rd took his lead-off. Before the pitch, the home-plate umpire turned to him and called him "OUT" saying that he had dropped outside of the basepath between 3rd and home.
I know that frequently runners on 3rd will drop off the basepath, closer to the 3rd base coach as they take their lead-off. This can help the runner keep the 3rd baseman in their peripheral vision while watching the pitcher. Is there a rule about this, or about how far away from the basepath you can be as you take your lead-off from 3rd?
Thanks,
Rob
Rob,
To my knowledge of high school rules, the runner establishes their own basepath until a play is being made on them. Then they are restricted to three feet to either side of the fielder. There is no rule to my knowledge that would restrict a runner leading off.
I hope this has helped.
-Martin Hoover
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Answers by Expert:
Martin 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)
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