You are here:
Baseball Instruction/Rule 7.13
Advertisement
Question
Does the runner have to go back to his base once the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball and the catcher is in the box? For example, A runner takes his jump after the pitch crosses the plate and stops. He remains off the base as the pitcher gets the ball back and is on the rubber. If the pitcher is not paying attention to the runner can the runner go?
Bill,
When a runner is legitimately off his/her base, the pitcher cannot stop the runner by taking the ball back to the pitcher's plate. The pitcher can make a play on the runner. However, if after the play, the ball is thrown back to the pitcher, and the runner then leads off again before a pitch, I might consider that unsportsmanlike conduct, and would warn the player and the manager.
And yes, if the runner is off the bag, he/she may attempt to steal, as they are still considered "in peril". Also, keep in mind that for the catcher to be "ready to receive the pitch", he/she must have their mask on and in the box, facing the pitcher.
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.