Baseball Rules: Is a Swing at a Bouncing Ball a Strike?

QuestionIf a pitcher throws a ball that hits the ground about 8 ft from the plate rolls and the batter swings is this a strike? AnswerYes, any time a batt

Youth Baseball Coaching: A Father's Perspective on Player Development

QuestionI coach my son on his recreational team,He is 12 i have coached him for 4 years.He has always played 1st and he pitches. He gets 3-5 Ks per 3 innin

Base Running Rules: Overrunning Bases & Interference - Minor League

QuestionSeveral rules involved here- (Minor League 9-12,Kid pitch) Scenario- 5th inning, bases loaded 1 out, pitcher walks the batter, all runners advance

Little League Rule Modifications: Promoting Player Development & Fair Play

QuestionWhat is your opinion on subistutions in little league.  i.e. double swtich or reentry etc. also what is your recommendation on pitch count et

Identifying the Winning Pitcher in Baseball: A Detailed Explanation

QuestionUsed three pitchers. First pitcher pitched 3 inn leaving tied 1-1. Next pitcher pitched 3 inn with the score tied 2-2. Game goes extra inning we ar

Umpire Errors: Understanding Strike Calls and Base Runner Rights

QuestionBases loaded with 2 out and batter swings and misses pitch when umpire calls batter out (strike 3/3rd out)and catcher rolls ball to mound as defens

Little League Throwing & Pitching Improvement: Expert Advice

QuestionHello, Mr. Girardi. Ill give a short introduction of myself. First of all, I decided to ask you these questions even though Im 14 (you said that y

Designated Hitter Rules: Can a Sore-Armed Player Play as DH Only?

QuestionI have a player who doesnt think he can throw the ball during the game, he has a sore arm.  He offers to be my Extra Hitter, can he play the g

Fair Ball Rule: What Happens When a Pitch Hits the Batter?

QuestionApitched ball hit bat then hit shoulder of batter.  It was called a fair ball.  Is this correct? AnswerPat, It depends on where the bat

Varsity Baseball Training: A Freshman's Guide to Strength, Speed & Power

QuestionNext year I am going to be a freshman is high school. I want a starting spot on the varsity team, but to do that I will have to out hit, out run, a

Balk Calls in Baseball: Understanding Leg Lift Rules for Left-Handed Pitchers

QuestionHi, My son is a 13 year left handed pitcher.  He was called for a balk the other day while reading the runner at first base.  From the st

Little League Umpire Overrules Home Plate Call: A Close Play Explained

QuestionIn a little league game, with a runner on first, a ground ball is it to the shortstop.  The SS opts to make the play at first, the throw is ma

Infield Fly Rule & Runner Advancement: A Deep Dive

Questionbases loaded with one out batter hits fly ball that drops in behind second basemens, Second basemen picks up the ball and throws out the runner mov

First & Third Base Coaching Guide for Volunteer Parents

QuestionMy sons coach (pitching machine) is a reluctant volunteer and does not have a good idea of what the boys need to know. There are a lot of parents t

Baseball Rules: Is a Dropped Fly Ball an Out?

QuestionIf an outfielder catches a fly ball and then drops as he exchanges to his other hand to throw back to the infielders, is this still an out? Answer

Catcher's Helmet Rules & Regulations: A Guide for Young Players

QuestionHi I am Kevin and i have been playing catcher for a few years now.  I am 13 and i wanted to try the helmet all the pros use the skull caps w/

Overcoming Baseball Fear: Helping Your 11-Year-Old Regain Confidence

QuestionOk What to do? My 11 year old is afraid to hit the baseball in the batters box only by a kid pitched baseball. This started last year when he start

Baseball Defensive Rules for 7-8 Year Olds: Outfielder Positioning & Player Count

QuestionTeams on defense will use a total of ten players in the field, including the catcher and four outfielders.  The Outfielders must play REGULAR

Choosing the Right Catcher's Mitt for a Young Player

QuestionHi,  My son is 10 and has played both rec and travel baseball since he was little.  He tried the catchers position a few weeks ago and lo

Understanding Baseball Error Scoring: A Coach's Perspective

QuestionMy co-coach (12U Cal Ripkin) and I disagree on exactly what constitutes an error.  Ive kept score book for softball and baseball for 25 yrs, b