Expert: Martin Hoover - 3/2/2007

Question
Question#1
In little league baseball minor division rule 7.13 states When a pitcher is in contact with the pitchers plate and in possession of the ball and the catchers in the catchers box  ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runner shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter. My question: is the ball still in play and can the runners if the pitcher isn't in contact with the pitchers plate. In rule 8.01 (e) states if a pitcher removes the pivot foot from contact with the pitchers plate. The pitcher their by becomes an infielder at that point can the runner take the next base, or if the catcher is not in the catchers box?

Question#2
An intentional walk is the ball in play?

Question#3
Base on balls with runners on base is the ball in play?

Question#4
Base on balls no runners is the ball in play  

Answer
Ron,

Question #1:

You must look at the spirit and intention of the rules.  Yes, runners must stay on their bases once the pitcher is on the pitching plate, and the catcher is in the catchers box, ready to receive the pitch.  However, at a Minor Division level, you must keep into account the age and experience of the children.  If I have a pitcher who is standing behind the rubber, and a catcher squatting to get ready, I'm not going to send runners, as this violates the spirit of the game.  In regards to 8.01 (e), that is for regards to overthrows and wild throws, and not so much the factor that the pitcher is becoming an infielder, as in wild throws, but yes, the pitcher becomes an infielder off the rubber.


Question #2:

New with Little League baseball this year are intentional walks.  Before a pitch is thrown, the catcher may ask the umpire for an intentional walk, without throwing any pitches.  In this case, it's a dead ball, and runners may only advance if forced to do so by the walk.  If a pitcher pitches an intentional walk, the ball is alive and in play.


Question #3:

Base on balls is a walk.  The ball is alive and in play, regardless of other runners.


Question #4:

See question #3.


I hope that I have helped you.  I'm sorry for the lateness of my reply.  I was on vacation, and forgot to set my away dates to allexperts.  Have a fun and safe 2007 season!

Yours in Little League,

Martin Hoover