Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 6/26/2007

Question
Players are 9-10 first year little league:  With a runner on third, after the pitch the catcher walks or looks the runner back to the base, can the ump then call time before the ball is thrown back to the mound?  If the runner is forced back to the 3rd base by the catcher, can the runner steal home as the ball is thrown back to the pitcher, even though rules in the league only allow for leading off and stealing only after the ball crosses the plate on the pitch?

Answer
David,

The umpire should not call time when a play is continuing.  If they feel that the play is over, then they can call time.  I would not call time in the situation that you mentioned.

As far as the second situation, I would think this violates the spirit of the stealing rule.  But it would depend on who is interpreting those rules and the normal play in the league.  However, if the pitcher would drop the return throw (or the return throw is poorly made) it seems that advancing the base would be OK.

Hope this helps!

Brian