Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/14/2005

Question
Here is the situation. The runner on second steals third and occupies the base before the pitch leaves the pitchers hand. The batter hits a fly ball that is caught. Does the runner still have to make his way back to second to tag-up? This is a Little League Juniors (13-14 year olds)game.  Thanks

Answer
Tom,

If the pitcher has started his motion toward the plate before the steal happens, then the runner is obligated to go back to his base.  However, if the runner advances to the next base before the pitcher has begun his motion toward home plate, then he is not obligated to return.

Hope this helps!

Brian