You are here:
Baseball Instruction/Base Stealing
Advertisement
Question
In youth baseball (9 year olds)is a runner on second allowed to steal third after the catcher has thrown the ball back to the pitcher and before and after he has possesion of the ball?
Keith,
The interpretation of the rule is that runners are not allowed to advance one the pitcher has possession of the ball and is on the rubber ready to deliver the pitch, and the catcher is in the catcher's box ready to receive the pitch. Until these requirements are met, the runners may advance at their own risk.
Yes, the runner from second may advance as the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher. This is a delayed steal and is legal.
I hope this has helped.
-Martin Hoover
Related Articles
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)
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.