| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Base Running/Path | 9/27/2009 |
Q: Runners on first and third. Runner on first starts to steal when pitcher goes into motion. Catcher ...
A: Kelly, If the runner remained three feet within the running lane, there is no call. You could have ...
|
| season games required major lg softball | 7/23/2009 |
Q: of the 12 games required by june 15, can it include tournament games or some of the players high ...
A: White; Players must compete in at least 60% of the REGULAR SEASON games. This does not include ...
|
| Pitching hand injury | 7/14/2009 |
Q: Is the umpires decision wether or not to let a player pitch with a bandage or a half cast on the ...
A: Greg, The pitcher cannot have anything on his pitching hand or arm. The umpire needs to have him ...
|
| rule regarding amount of lay trequired for a player in an allsar tournamen | 7/11/2009 |
Q: how many innings and at-bats must a player get during an all-star tournament district 1 ...
A: Rob, In the regular season, this would be correct. However, during all stars, teams play by a ...
|
| baseball batter interference | 7/10/2009 |
Q: We are currently in the all stars and had a call that made no sense. We had a runner on 1st and 2nd, ...
A: Lori, Chances are, the umpire sees the batter interfering with the throw. If this was the case, he ...
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| Forced Outs | 7/10/2009 |
Q: We were playing baseball and we came across weird rule we need some clarification. Runner on first ...
A: Mike, It is not a force out because the runner is not being forced to vacate the bag at second ...
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| coach pitch little league | 7/9/2009 |
Q: There are players on 1st and 2nd, the coach pitches the ball to his player, the batter line drives ...
A: Vicky, You will need to check with your local league for their ground rules in this situation as ...
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| Little League ruling play at home plate | 7/9/2009 |
Q: 3rd base-runner in a pickle, running home. 3rd baseman has the ball running the runner toward home ...
A: Doug, The runner was probably ejected because he made no attempt to avoid contact. This is a ...
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| All-Start substitution rules | 7/8/2009 |
Q: Martin, The all-star rule that a player, who has been replaced by a substitute player, must re-enter ...
A: Scot, This applies to the position in the line up, not necessarily the defensive position. Ex: ...
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| Substitutions in Little League All Stars | 6/29/2009 |
Q: Player A starts the game, and in the 3rd inning, player B comes in to substitute Player A, he plays ...
A: Sarah, A starter can reenter the game, but only in the position they occupied previously. However, ...
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| Out at first base? | 6/27/2009 |
Q: If the first baseman fumbles a ground ball, picks up the ball but touches first base with his mitt ...
A: Julie, It is very difficult to call this an out, as it does not show the fielder has control of the ...
|
| Slide rule | 6/17/2009 |
Q: I coach in a youth baseball league ( 8 to 12 yrs) and we have the slide or avoid rule. The one ...
A: Steve, It depends on what set of rules you are following. Many organizations now require the ...
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| all star little league | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I one player missed 1 game and the player number 2 played less then 60 percent. who has the right ...
A: Sandra, Little League Regulations state that for a player to be eligible for all stars they must ...
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| Baseball pitcher balking to third | 6/14/2009 |
Q: Can a right handed pitcher fake a throw to third base with a runner on third while his foot is still ...
A: The rule states that the pitcher must step to the base in which he is throwing. The rule also ...
|
| Pitchers pitching hand | 6/13/2009 |
Q: Can a pitcher have athletic tape, bandages, or any other dressing on a pitching hand? Even if they ...
A: Michael, By book rule, the pitcher shall have nothing on his hands. However, if the pitcher has a ...
|
| all stars | 6/13/2009 |
Q: if a parent cannot afford to pay for their child(ren) to play for the season and they make it to all ...
A: Nicole, Little League Baseball requires no fee for participation for regular season and all stars. ...
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| Baseball pitcher balking to third | 6/12/2009 |
Q: Can a right handed pitcher fake a throw to third base with a runner on third while his foot is still ...
A: Terry, Yes, the pitcher can. According to the rules, the only base the pitcher cannot feint a ...
|
| intentional walk | 6/11/2009 |
Q: A little league pitcher is intentionally walking a batter by pitching outside pitches to the catcher ...
A: Bob, If the batter is swinging, and is doing this with the intent to prolong the game and/or to ...
|
| ASA slowpitch | 6/3/2009 |
Q: What is call for hit ball that hits umpire in front of fielder? behind fielder? What is call if ...
A: Jan, It has been a while since I have found myself in a slow pitch game, but I am sure the rule is ...
|
| Baseball Rules | 6/1/2009 |
Q: Scenario: 1 out, tie game in the bottom of 9th, runners on 2nd & 3rd. The batter hits a fly ball to ...
A: Jack, This is what we call a timing play. If the run crosses the plate prior to the third out ...
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| Batter hit by fair ball? | 5/31/2009 |
Q: We had an incident the other day where a Majors (12 year old) player bunted a ball that bounced off ...
A: Tim, If a batter remains in the box and is hit by a fair ball, it is a foul ball. However, should ...
|
| Little League Mandatory Play rule when game is shortened | 5/29/2009 |
Q: We had a playoff game today and our league adopted the non-continuous batting, but our substitute ...
A: Rick, The player must start the next game and play what he missed (1 at bat), and play what he is ...
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| pitching | 5/26/2009 |
Q: Is it illegal in L.L.to take a step back with the pivot leg and then step forward pushing off the ...
A: Rob, The "free foot" in that rule is the foot not in contact with the rubber, or the non-pivot ...
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| Batter interference | 5/17/2009 |
Q: It seems to me there is no safe haven for a batter when there is a play at the plate under Rule ...
A: Brant, The batter has interfered. It sucks, but the batter has an option of where to go to get out ...
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| Manger pulls kid from LL game for behavior | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Manager pulls own player from LL or Ripken game for a behavior problem. Continuous batting order. ...
A: Stewart, Little League rules state that a player must receive mandatory play (6 consecutive outs ...
|
| Legal catch by first baseman - "pulled off the bag" | 5/15/2009 |
Q: Martin, Question is: is the batter/runner considered out at first base when the throw to first ...
A: Stewart, They only reason I would call the runner safe is if the first baseman did not have secure ...
|
| Softball Rule 3.09 | 5/14/2009 |
Q: Does softball rule 3.09 (or any other in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules, for that ...
A: Dawn, Check with your local regional center. Depending on the state that you live in, depends on ...
|
| defining possession on a force out | 5/14/2009 |
Q: We had a runner on first when a ground ball went to short, the shortsop threw it to the 2nd baseman ...
A: Mike, This is a judgement call. The umpire must decide whether the fielder has secure possession ...
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| softball umpire | 5/14/2009 |
Q: 2 questions 1.Is it a official visit when a coach visit the mound between innings,during warm up? ...
A: Nolan, If the coach at the mound during the warmups is delaying the game, I will warn the coach ...
|
| Softball Rule 3.09 | 5/14/2009 |
Q: Does softball rule 3.09 (or any other in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules, for that ...
A: Dawn, I would interpret this run as for during a game situation. However, should the manager ...
|
| Infielders standing in runners path | 5/13/2009 |
Q: Martin, in little league I instruct the infielders to stay off the running line if there is a runner ...
A: Craig, This would be considered obstruction, both in the base path and on a base with no ball. ...
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| contact at home plate | 5/13/2009 |
Q: today my 12 year old son was running home and the other teams catcher was in front of the plate ...
A: Juanita, A player must slide or attempt to avoid contact with a fielder who is in possession of the ...
|
| Stealing Home | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I am odds with some members of the league my son plays in, and I am the manager of my son's team. ...
A: Craig, Having been a coach, umpire and now league official, I have seen no solid evidence that ...
|
| Baseball after 15 | 5/11/2009 |
Q: We home school and my son is now 15 and cannot play on the city league any more. What other options ...
A: Emily, You can contact your local high school and see what the policy is on home schooled students ...
|
| 2 little league questions | 5/10/2009 |
Q: I have 2 questions involving little league rules.is it legal for a player to catch a grounder in her ...
A: Jim, You can find the rule to your first question in 7.08(e). The rule states that a runner is put ...
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| Coach Pitch - Where does the coach have to stand? | 5/5/2009 |
Q: My son is playing Little League in the Minor Leagues as a 8 year old. Tonight the question was ...
A: Joey, If there is no local league rule stating where the coach must stand, then if become the ...
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| Softball pitching regulations | 4/30/2009 |
Q: My daughter plays in the 9-10 age softball division. She is a pitcher. I am wondering by rules and ...
A: Your league should have a set of By-Laws that stipulates the age structure of their divisions. ...
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| On Deck Interferance | 4/30/2009 |
Q: What is the obligation for the on-deck batter or the base coach for when a pop up is bit in their ...
A: Ken, Rule 7.11 covers this problem. "The players, coaches, or any member of an offensive team ...
|
| Medical Exemption All-Star Eligibility | 4/29/2009 |
Q: My son was an all-star last year and "probably" would have been selected again this year. He played ...
A: Sean, Your local league Board of Directors can request a waiver of this rule to the Charter ...
|
| Extra Base Question | 4/27/2009 |
Q: The play was the right fielder caught a fly ball and tried to double up the runner at 1B. The throw ...
A: Towson, Each runner, without liability to be put out, advances two bases when a thrown ball goes ...
|
| Softball pitching regulations | 4/27/2009 |
Q: My daughter plays in the 9-10 age softball division. She is a pitcher. I am wondering by rules and ...
A: Shannon, It depends on how you league structures each division. If your daughter is in the Minor ...
|
| Little league mandatory participation | 4/7/2009 |
Q: At a recent little league game, minor's division, the visiting team waited until the bottom of the ...
A: Vince, A game that is shortened for any reason (including time) the team and the manager cannot be ...
|
| base running | 4/6/2009 |
Q: A runner is on second. The ball goes past the batter, but not the catcher, so the runner heads ...
A: Doug, The key words: READY TO DELIVER THE PITCH. It does not sound like the pitcher is ready to ...
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| minimum age requirements | 4/3/2009 |
Q: As a board member of our local little league I am struggling with an age issue. While I realize ...
A: Christi, The Little League Regulations state that a player league age 8 cannot participate in the ...
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| Drafts and late sign ups | 4/1/2009 |
Q: Mr Hoover: A recreational Little League Baseball League is looking to improve its drafting ...
A: Don, It sounds to me like your league has had trouble in past years during the draft. I think it ...
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| base running | 3/31/2009 |
Q: A runner is on second. The ball goes past the batter, but not the catcher, so the runner heads ...
A: Doug, The runner may return to the base or advance at any time until the pitcher has possession of ...
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| basepath interference | 3/12/2009 |
Q: say a fielder runs in the basepath to step on second to get an out on the runner advancing from ...
A: Jim, These plays you discuss are difficult to give answers to, because you would have to be there ...
|
| Little League Baseball Rule | 3/10/2009 |
Q: My son plays in the division for 8-11. There are 5 teams of 11 kids and 1 with 12. I know that if ...
A: Diana, A team cannot play with less than 9 players. There is no such rule pertaining to pulling a ...
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| Appeal timing on drop 3rd strike | 3/9/2009 |
Q: 2 strikes on the batter, no one on base. The batter checks his swing, no call by the umpire, the ...
A: Joel, First, there is no restriction on the time an appeal is made. In this instance, the plate ...
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| eligibility | 3/8/2009 |
Q: My son plays on a travel team as well as a Little League team. There are 13 kids on the travel team. ...
A: Julie, They must have participated in at least 60% of regular season games (in Little League of ...
|
| baseball clinic | 3/3/2009 |
Q: Can a coach for a little league team. Meet with a few boys from that team (not the entire team), to ...
A: Ernie, You will need to talk to your local Board of Directors for the restriction of team ...
|
| 7 and 8 draft in little league | 3/3/2009 |
Q: i have coached in the little league for many years and have recently because of the age of one of ...
A: Steve, Little League Baseball, Inc. gives the responsibility to the Board of Directors on how to ...
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| brothers rule | 3/1/2009 |
Q: i drafted a boy in the third round who has a brother,im the manager and was told i had to draft my ...
A: Kenny, With a brother option, you need to pick up the second brother in the next successive round. ...
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| Tball practice and games | 2/28/2009 |
Q: My daughter is 5 now and I have decided to coach her Tball little league team. Since her attention ...
A: Lianna, I would ask your league to limit the number of players on your team. About 9-10 players ...
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| girls softball ages 12-14 | 2/24/2009 |
Q: my daughter has been given the postision of alternate on her middle school team. she altready plays ...
A: Sharon, Honestly, I have never heard of an alternate. In our area, you either make a school team ...
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| Major Softball 11-12 | 2/11/2009 |
Q: I have two questions: Can a non starter or sub pitch? When running through first on an infield ...
A: Brian, Question #1: Yes, anyone who is eligible (based on rest rules) may pitch in a game. There ...
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| Is there a rule about a fielder kicking a ball to first base to complete a putout | 2/7/2009 |
Q: The batter hits a slow dribbler between the pitcher and first base. The pitcher moves toward the ...
A: Wayne, There is no rule that says a fielder cannot kick the ball to the first baseman. However, if ...
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| Varsity Tryouts | 2/4/2009 |
Q: I'm a bit in a twist. I've been playing rec. baseball for I don't know how long and I've mostly been ...
A: James, Yes, it sounds like a political matter. I would recommend going to an open tryout at a ...
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| Draft | 2/2/2009 |
Q: We have a brother pick that was used as 10 year olds. One of the brothers went to travel ball last ...
A: James, Your question was a little confusing, but I will give an explanation on how brother options ...
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| Little league vs Cal Ripken | 1/8/2009 |
Q: My question is to why do you think a town program would switch from one to the other. In my ...
A: Mark, Honestly, I cannot pinpoint one reason as why someone would change. Usually, you will have ...
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| Little League softball equipment | 12/6/2008 |
Q: Does Little League International mandate the use of batting helmets with faceguards for all softball ...
A: Sandy, Little League International does not regulate that batting faceguards be placed on batting ...
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| metal cleats | 11/12/2008 |
Q: Do you have an opinion about boys playing in an U15 age group being allowed to wear metal cleats. ...
A: Liz, It has been my experience with children that are 13-15 years old to know how to use metal ...
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| Hit or No Hit? | 10/26/2008 |
Q: If the batter hits a fair ball, run to the base, turns to go to second, runs back to first, called ...
A: Terry, Yes, it counts as a hit because he reached 1st base safely (he was tagged out advancing to ...
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| 3rd strike drop | 10/25/2008 |
Q: On a 3rd strike drop and bases are loaded is the batter out, because 1st base has a runner.. Why is ...
A: Kristi, The batter may advance to first base on a dropped third strike if first base is open with ...
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| Run Scoring | 10/20/2008 |
Q: Mr Hoover, My question is about whether the run counts in the following situation. There are 2 ...
A: Jason, This sounds like a force out, regardless if the runner left to the dugout or not. If the ...
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| Obstruction | 9/29/2008 |
Q: Runner on first, little league. Firstbaseman is a step back of the base line and two steps toward ...
A: Greg, As an umpire, we must remember that these kids are not very familiar with the ballfield, and ...
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| Little League All Stars | 9/24/2008 |
Q: Some parents in a local Little League district have discussed naming the all star roster at the ...
A: Gregg, According to Little League Tournament rules, Tournament teams may not be announced until ...
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| Little League Baseball | 9/8/2008 |
Q: Right handed batter goes into bunt position. Pitcher throws the ball, batter realizes the pitch is ...
A: Frank, The only way this will be considered a strike is if the ball is in the strike zone when the ...
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| 1st Baseman Blocking the Bag, Youth Level | 8/26/2008 |
Q: As a follow-up to a question asked recently, where Mr. McInnis advised that Little League rules ...
A: Buzz, As an umpire, I would recommend trying to touch the outside of first base, while trying to ...
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| dropped 3rd strike | 7/29/2008 |
Q: following up on your answer of a dropped 3rd strike. Man on 3rd two outs. A passed ball occurs on ...
A: John, Yes... it is an earned run. MLB Rule 10.16 (a): "The official scorer shall charge an earned ...
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| Cal ripken vs. Little League | 7/28/2008 |
Q: What are the differences between Cal Ripken and Little League rules when playing on same size field ...
A: Helen, There are not much difference between the two programs. One of the major differences ...
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| hit by thrown ball | 7/23/2008 |
Q: little league baseball. a runner is heading home he is hit by a thrown ball in the back it makes ...
A: Brian, If, in the umpires judgement, the runner slid head first, then the runner should be called ...
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| little league baseball | 7/21/2008 |
Q: In a little league baseball game called after the first inning because of rain and rescheduled for a ...
A: Vince, The only way a Little League game can be replayed from the start is if there was less than ...
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| Game winning runs disallowed | 7/20/2008 |
Q: Here is the little league situation. We are the home team batting in the bottom of the 6th inning ...
A: If the proper appeal had been made, the runner from third would be declared out, and the runner from ...
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| Game winning runs disallowed | 7/20/2008 |
Q: Here is the little league situation. We are the home team batting in the bottom of the 6th inning ...
A: Larry, In this situation, the defensive team must make the appeal BEFORE the defensive team leaves ...
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| False end of inning | 7/20/2008 |
Q: Here is the little league situation. We are the home team and in the field. Our pitcher strikes ...
A: Larry, The official scorekeeper should have alerted the umpire that there were only two outs. I ...
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| offical softball | 7/20/2008 |
Q: While playing in our local and distric games we used a solid poly/graphite center with a .47 core ...
A: Scott, The simple way of finding out what ball is approved for tournament play is going straight to ...
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| Stealing | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I'm an average athletic but my sister is awesome. She's a sports freak. Baseball is her favorite. ...
A: Samuel, I will let you know first off that I am not familiar with Cal Ripkin Rules, but I would ...
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| Position in batte'rs box | 7/17/2008 |
Q: In junior league or any other league for that matter is there a rule that states that the batter ...
A: Jerry, Rule 6.03 states that "the batter’s legal position shall be both feet within the batter's ...
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| Senior league All Star Tournaments | 7/13/2008 |
Q: In a Senior League state All Star tournament is there any rules as to how many innings you have to ...
A: Ashley, There is no mandatory play requirement for Senior and Big League divisions during ...
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| umpires | 7/12/2008 |
Q: For All Star games are the Umpires suppose to be adults in proper atire or can they be teenagers ...
A: Dawn, This is from the Little League Tournament Rules: UMPIRES The Tournament Director shall have ...
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| missing player from line up card | 7/12/2008 |
Q: 8 under boys--my son's team was home team and coach neglected to put a child on line up card.This ...
A: Kelli, Let line it up like this... Adam Berry Carl David Berry comes to bat, but it was Adam's ...
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| Mens Slow Pitch eligibility | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Martin, This is similiar to the question and answer below, but a little different. We play in a ...
A: With the rules I am familiar with, any player, who is present at a game that is being resumed, my ...
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| Rules published by the National Baseball Congress | 7/11/2008 |
Q: Our league rules are in accordance with National Baseball Congress for 13 year olds. Our league ...
A: Denis, I am not familiar with NBC rules, however, I can tell you that every level of baseball I've ...
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| Mens Slow Pitch eligibility | 7/9/2008 |
Q: Martin, This is similiar to the question and answer below, but a little different. We play in a ...
A: Dave, In Little League, this would constitute a game. However, you might want to contact your ...
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| Catcher obstruction - scoring | 7/9/2008 |
Q: My son plays Little League. During an at-bat, he was obstructed by the catcher, hitting the ...
A: Randy, For Little League purposes, this would count as an at bat. However, it is not considered a ...
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| Dropped Third Strike Question | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I need your input on this play. In the 15 year old level, with the bases loaded, 2 outs, the batter ...
A: Mike, On an appeal, the ball is still live. Chances are, if the batter ran, as an umpire, I would ...
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| Balk | 7/1/2008 |
Q: We play in a league that does not allow leading off. The pitcher was starting his windup and ...
A: Jacob, If this is a Little League, then the runners would not advance in this situation. It would ...
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| Batting out of order | 6/20/2008 |
Q: In the 3rd inning of a game, my #3 batter is supposed to be at the plate, but my #4 batter is in the ...
A: Bill, If a player is caught batting out of order before they have reached 1st base, then that ...
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| minor league - machine pitch vs. player pitch | 6/18/2008 |
Q: Several parents, like myself, with children in our little league minor division (6-9 year olds) here ...
A: I've answered a question like this before. I've added the question and my response for your ...
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| Follow-Up Question | 6/18/2008 |
Q: You previously answered a question about eligibilty and travel teams (your answer is below). Where ...
A: Gary, You can visit the Little League website link that talks about it: ...
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| infield fly | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Bases loaded with one out. Our batter hit a ball that reached about 9 feet in height (a weak line ...
A: Tom, An infield fly should be called at the apex(the top of the arc) of the flyball. However, the ...
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| Player stepping off base when pitcher is on mound | 6/11/2008 |
Q: I have been an ASA Umpire for the past 5 years. Recently I have been asked to help with our local ...
A: Tom, I am taking this as being a baseball game (the ASA threw me off, thinking it was a softball ...
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| Rules question | 6/10/2008 |
Q: In our instructional league - ages 7-9 boys, the ball has to be hit on to the outfield grass in ...
A: Abe, I would recommend that you present this problem to your Board of Directors. Since they were ...
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| little league baseball | 6/4/2008 |
Q: if there are runners on 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs. a ball is hit to the infield. throws the runner ...
A: Jamie, If a runner is out due to a force play (as with at runner from 2nd being forced to advance ...
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| ruling | 6/3/2008 |
Q: A batter hits a ball foul as it rolls the ball then rolls fair and comes to a rest in fair territory ...
A: John, We judge the ball as where it is when first touched or when it comes to rest when determining ...
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| Little League Redrafting | 5/31/2008 |
Q: Our Board considered this option pre season and decided to stay with "property" teams as many of the ...
A: Kathleen, My league uses property teams. Here are the benefits that we have noticed: First and ...
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| Dropped 3rd Strikes | 5/31/2008 |
Q: If there are 2 outs and a runner reaches base on a dropped 3rd strike and scores. How does that ...
A: Jim, The official scorer shall charge an earned run against a pitcher every time a runner reaches ...
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| pitch out | 5/30/2008 |
Q: dual question. 11-12 boys LL baseball A. In little league were there is no balks, just illegal ...
A: William, A. Please keep in mind that an illegal pitch IS NOT AN AUTOMATIC DEAD BALL. Illegal ...
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| LL Rule 6.07 | 5/29/2008 |
Q: Little League 12 and under. #3 Runner on 3rd. #5 batter bats out of turn and gets a base on balls. ...
A: CT, I have a couple questions to ask you to make sure I give you an accurate answer. If you can ...
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| Little League All-Stars and Travel Team | 5/28/2008 |
Q: But I just saw a posting you made on May 8 that a new rule had gone into effect a few weeks earlier ...
A: Terri, Yes, as long as their participation in the travel team is not hampering the Little League ...
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| illegal bat played in game | 5/27/2008 |
Q: My 12 y.o. son plays in the LL Majors. Last nights game was a jaw dropping experience. In the top of ...
A: Reagan, The penalty for use of a bat that does not meet specifications is to remove it from the ...
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| Batter Interference | 5/23/2008 |
Q: Last night in my son's little league game there was a runner on third base and ball 4 was thrown to ...
A: Kevin, I agree with the umpires call if there were two outs. 7.08 (g)- attempting to score on a ...
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| Fair or foul | 5/22/2008 |
Q: A right handed batter strikes a ball that travels directly down and comes to rest in the left handed ...
A: Tim, When determining fair or foul, you have to judge the ball where is lies between home plate and ...
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| pitching and day/vs game rest | 5/19/2008 |
Q: It states under tournament rules that a if a player exceeds 40 pitches in one game, then he must sit ...
A: Little League has done years of research in regards to overuse and burnout on pitchers. Pitcher are ...
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| pitching and day/vs game rest | 5/19/2008 |
Q: It states under tournament rules that a if a player exceeds 40 pitches in one game, then he must sit ...
A: I'm sorry, I misread your question. Yes, starting in 2008, regular season rules started the ...
|
| Force out situation | 5/19/2008 |
Q: Martin, There is bases loaded two outs. Batter hits a ground ball to the short stop, the short stop ...
A: Tim, When a play is being made on a runner, the runner establishes the base line as a straight line ...
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| Pinch Runner | 5/17/2008 |
Q: In LL boys baseball age 11-12, can a pinch runner be used if you are using a continuous batting ...
A: Roger, If your league elects to use a continuous batting order, then Rule 7.14 (Special Pinch ...
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| ERA | 5/16/2008 |
Q: If a batter gets to first base with no errors, but errors such as overthrows or committed as they ...
A: Brenda, An earned run is a run for which a pitcher is held accountable. In determining earned runs, ...
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| Illegal pitch penalty | 5/16/2008 |
Q: What is the penalty for a little league pitcher putting his fingers to his mouth before pitching the ...
A: Tracy, The penalty is an illegal pitch (ball to the batter), and the ball is removed from play. ...
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| pitching and day/vs game rest | 5/15/2008 |
Q: It states under tournament rules that a if a player exceeds 40 pitches in one game, then he must sit ...
A: Richard, I would interpret this by looking at regular season and tournament play as two separate ...
|
| ball hit by the bat in fair territory | 5/13/2008 |
Q: The batter bunts the ball into the field of play (right in front of the plate). As he leaves the ...
A: Michael, Rule 6.05 (g) states: A batter is out when... after hitting or bunting a fair ball, the ...
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| Player leaves the game | 5/13/2008 |
Q: 12 yr old majors division, we bat the bench. if a player leaves the game say in the 5th inning ...
A: The pitcher would be an ineligible pitcher, and is grounds for a protest. If the Protest Committee ...
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| Help my son is very discouraged | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Im a single Mom of a bright 12 yr old son. My concerns for my son this year in baseball, are that ...
A: Carrie, I would suggest that you take any issues straight to the head coach or manager of the team. ...
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| Player leaves the game | 5/12/2008 |
Q: 12 yr old majors division, we bat the bench. if a player leaves the game say in the 5th inning ...
A: Michael, It is not an out. I have added the rule so you may reference it at your next game. Rule ...
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| Baseball Sweetspots | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I have a brand new product on the market called "Baseball Sweetspots". Its a training aid for youth ...
A: Kelly, The only player restricted from wearing this would be the pitcher. However, some officials ...
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| softball roster rules | 5/8/2008 |
Q: I just learned that a player can play on the allstar team for little leage even if they are on a ...
A: Mark, Little League has just announced (only two weeks ago I believe) that players may play on a ...
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| little league softball regulations | 5/8/2008 |
Q: if a 11 yr old girls plays 2 innings a game for three in park games and is humilated by the coach ...
A: Chet, It sounds like you have a problem in regards to Playing Regulations. Little League requires ...
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| illegal pitch | 5/7/2008 |
Q: Last nite an umpire in little league called an illegal pitch because the pitcher stopped his pitch ...
A: Bridget, In this case, depending on the level of play, I might warn everyone, or call an illegal ...
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| FAIR VS FOUL | 5/2/2008 |
Q: THE QUESTION ABOUT FAIR OR FOUL: THE RULE STILL APPLIES WHEN TALKING ABOUT A FLY BALL HIT JUST ...
A: Parrish, Fair and foul is based on the position of the ball when touched. If the ball is in foul ...
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| pitching | 4/22/2008 |
Q: A major league pitcher in little league baseball goes through the motions of throwing a pitch, but ...
A: Don, If the pitcher is intentionally delivering an illegal pitch, I will warn him and the manager ...
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| Obstruction | 4/21/2008 |
Q: Little league level: if player is stealing from first to second, second baseman moves to bag but is ...
A: Bruce, First thing you need to remember: obstruction and interference is a judgement call. Which ...
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| little league illegal pitch? | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I know there is no balk rule in the Majors division but are there not illegal pitch rules? An ...
A: Gary, Let's look at this as an illegal pitch and a balk as two separate things: A balk is called ...
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| little league illegal pitch? | 4/19/2008 |
Q: I know there is no balk rule in the Majors division but are there not illegal pitch rules? An ...
A: Gary, Rule 8.05 should answer your question. What you discuss is covered specifically in rule ...
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| high school baseball | 4/19/2008 |
Q: OK, here is the scenario for a high school game: Man on first. Batter hits a fly ball. Man on ...
A: Deanna, I am not familiar with high school rules, however, if a runner tries to deceive a fielder ...
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| appeals ruling | 4/16/2008 |
Q: In a recent Little League(Majors)game at our park, with one out, and a runner on first, the batter ...
A: Al, Below is an excerpt from the Rules Instruction Manual for Little League clinics: "No umpire ...
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| Drafting in Little League | 4/5/2008 |
Q: My son is 9 years old and is entering Little League for the first time. If he goes to a try out and ...
A: Michelle, Little League rules require that all 12 year olds play in the Major Baseball division. ...
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| scroekeeping | 4/5/2008 |
Q: Does a fielder choice count in as an at bat for the person? or is it like a BB or sac.?
A: Mart, In Little League Baseball, it would count as an at bat. In Major League Baseball, it is ...
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| baserunner | 4/3/2008 |
Q: Men on first and second. Batter drops a bunt in front of home plate that is fielded by the catcher ...
A: Bill, If the batter-runner did not interfere with the throw, and was in the running lane, which it ...
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| Draft - supplemental draft | 3/26/2008 |
Q: In drafting for our Coach Pitch (ages7-8) league we spread ourselves/teams too thin....expecting ...
A: Melissa, I would recommend that you randomly pick the draft order, as this would seem to be the ...
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| pitching | 3/15/2008 |
Q: is the pitchers foot allowed to be outside of the rubber.for instance pitchers heel is against the ...
A: William, The pitcher shall stand facing the batter, the entire pivot foot on, or in front of and ...
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| umpire error | 3/14/2008 |
Q: official scorebook count is two strikes on the batter. upon the next pitch the umpire again calls ...
A: Gary, The umpire is responsible for keeping the count. If an umpire missed the third strike, and ...
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| softball | 3/12/2008 |
Q: runner on first and batter hits a sharp grounder to the first baseman who tags the runner at first ...
A: Kenny, The runner is forced to vacate the bag, and is not protected by staying on the base. The ...
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| MOUND HEIGHT | 3/10/2008 |
Q: HOW ELEVATED IS A PITCHERS MOUND FOR PROS
A: Jacob, I'm not to familiar with the pitching rules for MLB, however, the Official Rules of MLB ...
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| youth league pitching rules | 3/7/2008 |
Q: Pitching rules state that once a pitcher is removed he can not pitch again. But my question is if a ...
A: Billy, Please keep in mind that this is an interpretation of Little League Baseball rules. Very ...
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| draft question | 3/3/2008 |
Q: we have decided to rank head coaches and assistant coaches kids to make the draft as fair as ...
A: Jock, Little League advises that coaches not be selected until AFTER drafts, to help redshirting of ...
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| DRAFTS | 3/1/2008 |
Q: I am a parent of a 6 year old on a coach pitch team. I found out that we have a fourth grader which ...
A: Codie, Little League rules allow different leagues to arrange the ages for each division to their ...
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| Follow up on redraft question | 2/27/2008 |
Q: Martin, you posted the answer below recently in response to a question about redrafting. If you ...
A: Buzz, I don't think that you can lump leagues into "redrafting" just because they are small. In ...
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| Another Draft Question | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I have a draft question. I am currently serving on a Board of Directors for the local Dixie Youth ...
A: Daniel, Off the bat, I am not familiar with Dixie Baseball Regulations, so I will give you my ...
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| LITTLE LEAGUE DRAFTS | 1/14/2008 |
Q: My question is about leagues keeping players on the same team. Our league is going to re-draft all ...
A: Kevin, This was a discussion that come up in our league this year. The main reason was due to the ...
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| scorekeeping | 11/6/2007 |
Q: I will be keeping the books this year for my son's USSSA U8 team. Although I played as a kid and ...
A: Mike, I have used this website before as a reference to people keeping scorebooks in baseball and ...
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| yelling "fair" or "foul" | 10/21/2007 |
Q: I thought an umpire is to yell "foul" and not yell but only point fair for a fair ball. Is an ...
A: Brian, Umpires should only give a verbal command if the ball is foul. However, there is nothing in ...
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| instructional league 6-8 league set up | 7/31/2007 |
Q: here is the problem I 'm coaching an instructional little(6-8) league team and there is another ...
A: Derek, Please keep in mind that what I'm going to say is what my league does, and what I have stood ...
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| How many feet in fair territory? | 7/24/2007 |
Q: If the 1st baseman is holding a runner on 1st base, is he considered to be in fair territory if he ...
A: Martin, If that one foot is completely outside of fair territory, the player is not considered to ...
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| runner hit by thrown ball | 6/20/2007 |
Q: Bases loaded. Batter hits the ball. First basement field the ball and throws home. At the throw to ...
A: Kevin, The runner is not forced to slide, he has a right to home plate. It sounds to me like he ...
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| batting out of order | 6/20/2007 |
Q: In a 9-10 boys baseball game a player batted out of order and had a 2-0 count before it was caught. ...
A: Matt, If the problem is caught before the batter is out or become a runner, he is just replaced ...
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| Hit by pitch | 6/16/2007 |
Q: While in the batters box in a proper batting stance, the pitch comes inside and hits the batters ...
A: Mike, First, it is in the umpire's judgement on whether the batter made an attempt to get out of ...
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| ALLSTAR DRAFT | 6/16/2007 |
Q: IF A CHILD PLAYED ALL YEAR IN AN AGE GROUP OLDER (MAJORS) ARE THEY ELIGIBLE TO BE ON THE ALLSTAR ...
A: Randi, The only regulation Little League Baseball has for All Stars is that the players fall within ...
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| catching a foul tip | 6/15/2007 |
Q: I have coached for many years. In several different leagues and it always seems that this rule ...
A: Don, First let's look at the definition of a "Foul Ball". Rule 2.00- FOUL BALL: Is a batted ball ...
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| DROPPED THIRD STRIKE | 6/13/2007 |
Q: NO OUTS BASES EMPTY BATTER WITH TWO STRIKES. PITCH HITS GROUND IN FRONT OF PLATE, BATTER SWINGS ...
A: Rodney, Rule 6.09 (b) says that the batter becomes a runner when "the third strike called by the ...
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| tagging base with baseball | 6/12/2007 |
Q: It says in the Little League rulebook that a player may tag the base base on a force play with any ...
A: Andrew, in Rule 2.00-TAG it says a tag is "the action of a fielder in touching a base with the body ...
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| Intentional walk | 6/4/2007 |
Q: Juniors Division-"Intentional Walk" Question Batter has 0-2, runner on 2nd, no outs. Pitcher and ...
A: Joe, 1. There are two types of intentional walks. Before a pitch has been thrown, the catcher may ...
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| Baseball rule | 6/3/2007 |
Q: When a batter is in the batter's box and the pitcher has decided to throw an intentional walk can ...
A: Kayla, The entire foot must be outside of the batters box for the umpire to rule the batter out. ...
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| fair v. foul ball | 6/2/2007 |
Q: A ball is hit infront of the plate fair and is a high hopper going over the line into foul territory ...
A: Michael, When ruling fair or foul, we look at the position of the ball and not the fielder. If the ...
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| Play at home plate | 5/31/2007 |
Q: Runner rounds third and heads for home, catcher receives ball about 5 ft. in front of home plate ...
A: Kim, As long as the runner did not slide headfirst(Major Division and Below), then leaping over a ...
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| Force Out & Tagging Runner | 5/31/2007 |
Q: There was one out and the bases were loaded. The batter hit a ground ball which the 1st baseman ...
A: Nikki, Yes, even though the batter runner was called out, the runner from 3rd base is still forced ...
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| dead ball | 5/31/2007 |
Q: Minor league- (9-10) A runner is on third. After the pitch, he takes a long lead off third. The ...
A: Demetrio, To your first question in regards to calling time, that is up to the umpire's judgement ...
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| rule clarification | 5/30/2007 |
Q: A runner is on 3rd with two outs. The batter foul tips a ball. The catcher throws the ball back to ...
A: Brendan, There is a difference between a "foul ball" and a "foul tip". A foul tip is a ball that ...
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| umpiring question | 5/26/2007 |
Q: We had a situation in a majors game where two district umpires made a decision about inserting a ...
A: KB, The other manager was correct in telling the two umpires that they were incorrect in their ...
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| batting glove while pitching | 5/25/2007 |
Q: I'm the chief umpire for our league but I spend most of my time in our Little League. We have a ...
A: Brent, Rule 1.15 (b) states that the pitcher may wear a batting glove on his non pitching hand, as ...
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| Batter interference at home plate | 5/24/2007 |
Q: Is the batter required the leave the batter's box when a player is stealing home on a fast pitch? ...
A: Tom, The batter has a right to remain in the batter's box. However, if the batter is intentionally ...
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| Replacement Player Eligibility | 5/23/2007 |
Q: I coach in the (9-12) minors division, and we picked up an 11 yr old replacement player who took the ...
A: Bryant, I actually had to look in my Rule Book for this one. I've never had this situation come ...
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| Outfield fencing | 5/23/2007 |
Q: Are there any regulations requiring protective tubing along the top of a chain link outfield fence?
A: Dan, Little League Baseball does not have a regulation regarding fence toppers. However, if ...
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| force out | 5/22/2007 |
Q: runner on 1st, 1 out, a lefty hits a hot 1 hop grounder to our 1st baseman. Runner on 1st doesn't ...
A: Marty, I'm not familiar with slow pitch, but let me just give you my opinion on this play. The ...
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| Pitch bounces/rolls before reaching the plate | 5/22/2007 |
Q: If the pitcher throws a wild pitch that for whatever reason bounces or rolls toward the plate, can ...
A: Buzz, If the batter swings and misses, it's a strike. If the batter lets it continue to ...
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| Pitch bounces/rolls before reaching the plate | 5/21/2007 |
Q: If the pitcher throws a wild pitch that for whatever reason bounces or rolls toward the plate, can ...
A: Buzz, Yes. Hitting the ball that has bounced would be the same as hitting it in flight. This is ...
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| walking a batter | 5/20/2007 |
Q: In our game today, the other team wanted to walk our player and instead of throwing 4 pitch outs ...
A: Stephanie, Regulation VI, Section (c) Note 1 covers this question. Before a pitch is delivered to ...
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| Scoring the batter when 3rd out is runner caught stealing | 5/14/2007 |
Q: This might seem obvious to most, but I can't find it in the rulebook. Two outs, count is 1-1 on the ...
A: Buzz, The Little League rule is 6.01(b) NOTE. Is states that: In the event that while a batter is ...
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| Pinto League (Coach Pitch) Baseball | 5/12/2007 |
Q: Does run count if bases are loaded, the ball is hit to 3rd, the runners are safe, however the runner ...
A: Larry, I'm taking that this is two outs. Well, because the play is no longer a force play, the run ...
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| little league baseball/play at the plate | 5/12/2007 |
Q: Ball is coming into home plate. Runner coming around third,as the ball comes in, it ricashades off ...
A: Don, First, there is no "must slide" rule in baseball, PERIOD!(As an umpire, we try to squash ...
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| Back ground checks on coaches? | 5/8/2007 |
Q: What type of guidelines should the league have in place for running background checks on coaches? ...
A: Kevin, Little League Baseball has a page at their website dedicated to background checks, you can ...
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| Infield Fly Non Call | 5/6/2007 |
Q: Here is the set up: I am coaching first base. Runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. The ball is ...
A: Mark, Okay, here's what I would have done in this situation. First and foremost, an infield fly is ...
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| Base running rule | 5/5/2007 |
Q: There is a runner on 1st and the batter hits a ground ball. The batter is thrown out at 1st. Since ...
A: Roger, Rule 7.08(e) covers your question. Any runner, who is forced to advance, must vacate that ...
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| Youth Baseball Tournament | 5/4/2007 |
Q: we're setting up our end-of-season rec youth baseball tournament (Babe Ruth League, Ripken ...
A: Buzz, I have always found that double elimination works best with the situation you are faced with. ...
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| Batter Fails to Touch First Base in Little League Game | 5/3/2007 |
Q: Situation: Home Team half of last inning. Tie Score- One out. One runner on 1st base. Batter ...
A: Jennifer, The rule I will cite is 7.10. "Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next ...
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| batting | 5/2/2007 |
Q: My son has played 2 games so far he says he is considered a sub and has only got to bat 1 time per ...
A: Teresa, Before I go into great discussion regarding this situation, I would like to cite the rule ...
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| slugging percentage | 4/28/2007 |
Q: I don't remember if I asked this question or not, so if I repeated myself, I appologize. What is ...
A: Bret, It's okay. I would rather you understand it. If that means telling you again, than I will ...
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| slugging percentage | 4/28/2007 |
Q: what is slugging percentage? how is it calculated, and what is it's purpose?
A: Bret, In baseball statistics, slugging average (abbreviated SLG) is the most popular measure of the ...
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| runner interference | 4/28/2007 |
Q: I have a question about whether or not a runner hit by a ball that is thrown by a player is ...
A: Bret, According to (Little League)rule 7.08 (a), a runner is entitled to that bag to which they are ...
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| batter interference | 4/27/2007 |
Q: I manage in my town's little league majors division. In our last game the opposing team had a ...
A: Saverio, This is a difficult question to answer without being there to see the play. So let me ...
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| softball | 4/27/2007 |
Q: I have a question, actually two. If the head umpire calls a game because it is over then meets with ...
A: Kelli, I am going to give you Little League interpretations on these situations. An umpire may, at ...
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| little league minors | 4/24/2007 |
Q: What is the distance from home plate to pitchers mound? Thank You
A: Pat, The pitcher's plate shall be set in the ground so that the front side of the pitcher's plate ...
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| call in minor baseball game | 4/22/2007 |
Q: When a runner is going to first and the firstbaseman has one foot on the bag and the other in the ...
A: Marcel, At the minor level we must understand that the players are still getting used to playing ...
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| Rule 7.13 | 4/20/2007 |
Q: Does the runner have to go back to his base once the pitcher is on the rubber with the ball and the ...
A: Bill, When a runner is legitimately off his/her base, the pitcher cannot stop the runner by taking ...
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| Umpire call | 4/17/2007 |
Q: during our last game, bases were loaded, the count was 3 balls 2 strikes, on the next pitch, the ...
A: Melissa, There is no specific space of time that the umpire must call a pitch. In this case, if ...
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| Pitching Rules | 4/4/2007 |
Q: I'm going to be pitching for a spring rec league and a travel baseball team. I'm 14 years old and ...
A: Ray, Rules differ in each level and division of baseball. Some restrictions you might run into ...
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| baseball cleats | 3/20/2007 |
Q: Is it bad or dangerous to wear metal cleats or is it ok to wear for the juniors little league?
A: Marc, Little League Baseball Rules state that "shoes with metal spikes or cleats are not permitted" ...
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| umpires | 3/19/2007 |
Q: I KNOW A UMPIRE CAN REFUSE TO ASK FOR HELP ON MANY JUDGEMENT CALLS, BUT WHEN OUR CATCHER ASKED THE ...
A: Eddie, Judgement is the strongest thing an umpire has when working a game. However, there are ...
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| baseball rules | 3/2/2007 |
Q: Question#1 In little league baseball minor division rule 7.13 states When a pitcher is in contact ...
A: Ron, Question #1: You must look at the spirit and intention of the rules. Yes, runners must stay ...
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| is there little league in Victorville? | 11/17/2006 |
Q: We have just moved here, and cannot find any info on Little League Baseball in Victorville, Ca. I ...
A: Carin, There are three leagues in Victorville. I have the contact information for Victorville ...
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| baseball season | 10/12/2006 |
Q: I am planning on trying out for a travel team this weekend and it says don't tryout if your going to ...
A: Ray, You seem to be asking more of a guidance question than a baseball questions, so I will try to ...
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| fair or foul | 8/5/2006 |
Q: a ball hit in the air down the leftfeild line would have landed in foul territory but the left ...
A: Cliff, It is the position of the ball, and NOT the fielder that determins whether the ball is fair ...
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