can runner steal on errant throw from catcher

Question
in atom ball there is no stealing on the pitcher by a base runner.can a runner steal if catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher and he misses or drops the ball, or an errant throw back to the pitcher.

Answer
Hi Jerry,

this is a question best answered by your association.  I would imagine if the rule states no stealing while the pitcher holds the ball, you may not be able to steal if the catcher is returning the ball to the pitcher.

Now, if the catcher throws the ball to a base, it may indicate a live ball and thus a runner could try to advance his base.

Usually, in our league at least, there was no stealing while the pitcher was preparing to throw the ball to a batter.  That included returning the ball by the catcher to the pitcher.

Regards,

JohnMc