Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 5/22/2005

Question
My 7 year old plays machine pitch.  Yesterday he got two fly balls that went over the infield players heads not over the outfielders.  The question I need to know is that some say he shoud have automatically gotten a double, but the two coaches indicated that the ball has to go over the outfielders heads.  Is this true?  I find that hard to believe if it is b/c if the ball has to go over the outfielders heads, then a child will never get a double b/c the coaches can place those kids as far back as they want.  Correct?  I appreciate the time you will take to answer this and I am glad to see there is a web site where you can ask questions.  Have a great day!

Dana

Answer
Dana,

Unfortunately, I don't have an answer to your question.  Every little league seems to have their own set of rules - particularly at the youngest ages.  I am surprised that there is an automatic double rule.  Typically, it is as far as the kid can go.  So if the fielders throw the ball to the wrong base or misplay it, the runner can go as far as they can make it.

I would set up the rules to state that the fielders can play wherever they want and the hitters can run as far as they are able on a hit ball.  That seems to be the most fair way to do it.

Hope this helps!

Brian