Expert: Matt Smith - 4/25/2008

Question
I have a baseball background but am now coaching my daughter's softball team.  A firstbase coach from an opposing team was asking my 2nd baseman to move off of the line between 1st and 2nd base as he said a player could not stand there as a pitch was being thrown.  

I've never heard of this before.  To my understanding, as long as the 2nd baseman does not impede the baserunners path IF running towards 2nd base then this is a non-issue.

At the time I "asked" that coach not to position my player as I wanted her exactly where she was.  I doubt that this is a softball vs baseball difference but it occured to me that it could be.

Let me know what you think!
Thx
Gregg

Answer
You are 100% correct. The 2nd baseman can take position anywhere on the field. He/She could stand in deep center field in they wanted to. As long as the position player does not interfere with the runner once the play is active, the position before the pitch has no boundaries. I would invite the opposing coach to take a look at the MLB rulebook. Good luck.