Expert: Tom Mielke - 10/10/2009

Question
When a player is stealing a base , and the ball is overthrown or dropped ( but stays in play ) , can the runner advance as far as they would like or is there a limit ? Our league uses the OHSAA rulebook and there seems to be alot of confusion between coaches ( and umpires ) on this rule . Thanks for your help .

Answer
Unless you have a local rule implemented limiting the number bases that can be taken on a overthrow, then no, the runner can just keep going.

This idea that there are limitations on stealing when there are overthrows comes from local rec league rules for very young player.  At the youngest levels, when stealing is first allowed, often this is limited to prevent the runner from taking off from first and going all the way home.  The ability to run and steal a base develops way ahead of the defenses ability to put that runner out, thus the limitation at the early age.

If you are playing under high school rules, then no you don't have any limitations.


Tom