AboutDr. Mark R. Ambrose Expertise I can answer all questions about book rules and "case book" rules governing the playing of ASA softball. Have a REAL situation that happened and are not sure the proper rule was applied, ask me.
Experience I am a registered ASA umpire, a MASA "At-Large" umpire since 1996 and a retired District Umpire-In-Chief. I have very extensive experience in MASA State Championship and ASA national qualifying tournament play both as an umpire and an Umpire-In-Chief. I completed 3 ASA National Schools including the ASA national advanced umpire school in Ok City("Bernie" for those who know him was the lead clinician, I survived the week and couldn't let my kids watch the game tapes when I got home. No, I love you Bernie). I was one of 4 "Yankee" umpires selected to umpire the Men's D National East Championship in 2002 in Winter Haven FL
Organizations Amateur Softball Association (The authority in softball)
Question After receiving a walk, can the batter keeping running to second base, even though the pitcher has the ball inside of the pitching circle.
Recent Game: Runner on third base. Batter receives a walk. Batter runs to first base and keeps on running until reaching second base. Coach says the pitcher had the ball inside the pitching circle, and the runner can not advance. By rounding first base, the batter should have been called out for leading off.
Umpire says the batter did not stop at first base and continuing to second base was legal. Who is right?
Answer Hi Frank,
The fact that the pitcher has the ball in the circle does not prevent a b-r from advancing on a walk, it simply makes the LBR (look back rule) in effect. The b-r may round 1st, stop once (if they wish) and immediately advance or retreat.
The umpire is correct and the coach does not understand the LBR.
