Rules about 3rd base

Question
I coach youth baseball and I was at a tournament in phoenix and the opposing coach was mad because he said it was illegal for my third base man to hold a runner on third base. I have never heard of this is that real true?

Answer
David,

As always with sports, rules can vary depending on the level of play and the specific rules set up by the league. This is something you may want to ask the league itself about just in case they have sort of strange rule.

However, holding a runner on any base is legal in most rule books. As long as the position player is set up in fair territory and is not blocking the runners ability to get back to the base then the play is legal. Some teams will use a flash play where the third baseman will break to the base as the pitcher starts to throw over.

The reason it is legal is that it doesn't create much of an advantage for the defense if the ball is put in play so you are taking a risk.

Hopefully that helps and feel free to ask anything else in the future. Remember, coach YOUR style and do not listen to what other coaches are complaining about as long as your within the rules of fair and legal play.