Expert: John McInnis - 5/11/2004

Question
MY QUESTION:
MY SON PLAYS SENIOR LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL (11-12 YEARS.  CAN A PLAYER SLIDE HEAD FIRST INTO HOME PLATE? IF SO OR IF NOT PLEASE STATE THE RULE AND WHERE I CAN FIND IT IN THE BASEBALL RULE BOOK.
THANK YOU!

Answer
Hello Kelli,

Unless your league specifically states that no sliding into home plate is allowed, your son should be able to slide into home plate.  

Some leagues have had bad experience with children getting hurt at home plate.  They take extreme measures and ban all forms of sliding.  

Our league is more broad minded and insists that the coaches teach the children the proper method of sliding into a base.  Furthermore, it is important to teach the children WHEN to slide.  Sliding into bases does not get them there any faster.  The reason for the slide is to get under the 'tag' that is about to be played on the baserunner.  If a player touches the base BEFORE the tag is made, s/he is safe.  

So, ask your league if they have a special rule for sliding.  A slide can be a forward 'dive' and a 'feet first' slide.  There should be no distinction.

Enjoy your season,

JohnMc