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Question
runner on 1st, 1 out, a lefty hits a hot 1 hop grounder to our 1st baseman. Runner on 1st doesn't move off the base, our 1st baseman steps on the bag then tags the runner. Umpire calls the batter out and the runner safe at 1st base by virtue of "once our 1st baseman stepped on the bag the batter was out, and the runner on 1st is no longer forced to run to 2nd base. Is this ruling correct?
This is slow pitch softball and runners can not leave the bag until the ball crosses the plate.
Marty,
I'm not familiar with slow pitch, but let me just give you my opinion on this play.
The runner is forced to vacate the base and advance on a ground ball. The only reason a fielder may stay at the bag is on a fly ball. Just because a fielder makes a play on a bag doesn't mean that the runner can return to that bag.
I hope this has helped, should you have any other questions, please let me know.
-Martin Hoover
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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)
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