Bat Barrel Size Guide: When to Upgrade for Little League Players

QuestionQUESTION: Hi..., at what age or league can a player move up from 2 1/4 barrel bats to the bigger size barrel ? My son is in little league 10 & und

Baseball Umpire Error: Stolen Base & Base Advancement Ruling

QuestionMy catcher make a throw in an attempt to prevent a stolen base, and the runner is safe, the second baseman was not positioned to catch the ball and

Overcoming Pitching Fear at the Plate: A Batter's Guide

Questionwhen i am in the batters box i am thinking please dont let this pitch hit me, so i step out a about 6 inches and i am not able to reach the outsid

Squeeze Bunt Scoring: Understanding Official Scorer Decisions

QuestionHow is a successful squeeze bunt scored. Batter bunts, no errors on play, runner from third scores and batter is safe at first.  Is this a hit

Developing Baseball Skills in Young Players: Understanding Ability Levels

QuestionI am helping coach my sons ball team this year.  He is on a squad of 12 kids, only 3 of whom have any prior organized baseball experience. At

Understanding Earned Run Average (ERA): Calculation & Explanation

QuestionReally dumb question Im embarrassed to ask:  how is earned run average calculated? Thanks. Ken AnswerKen, Here it is: ERA = (9 x Earned

Understanding the Infield Fly Rule: Bases Loaded or 1st & 2nd?

QuestionWhen an umpire calls the Infield Fly Rule, do the bases have to be loaded OR must there be runners on first AND second base?  If this is corre

Position Rotation & Motivation in Young Baseball Players: A Parent's Guide

QuestionMy 13yo son likes to catch, short-stop, center field and pitch.  He love the game of baseball and when playing wants to give the best of him.

Base Running Interference & Contact: Home Plate Scenario

QuestionRunner on 3rd runs for home as the pitcher is in his wind up,the runner is hit buy the pitched ball as the runner crosses home plate.What is the ca

Pitcher's Role in Fielding Plays: A Youth Baseball Guide

QuestionOn a ball hit to the outfield that either gets by the fielder or hit to the gap, what is the pitchers responsibility?  No runners on base. &nb

Overcoming Baseball Anxiety in 12-Year-Olds: A Parent's Guide

Questionmy 12 yr old son playing select backs up when batting and does not put his body in front of the ball in the field. He will dive for a ball and no p

Little League Balk Rules: In-Contact Position & Free Leg

Questionis it a balk in jr little league to be in-contact on the rubber (hands together) raise leg, step to third in you motion without throwing to third b

Understanding RISP Scoring & Time at Bat Rules

QuestionRunner at first base. Batter takes two strikes. Runner steals second. Batter takes third strike. Is batter charged with time at-bat with runner in

Is Fastball-Only Pitching Safe for a 10-Year-Old? Expert Advice

QuestionI need to know if my 10 year old can hurt his arm, if all his coach wants him to throw are fastballs.  He pitches 3 -4 innings, and the coach

Mastering the Baseball Bat Grip and Swing: A Comfortable & Effective Technique

Questionwhat is the proper way to hold the bat ,and swing it. AnswerEveryone will tell you that the best way to hold the bat is to line the nuckles up but

Bunt Coverage Strategies with a Runner on Third Base

QuestionHow should a team cover a bunt with a runner on 3rd. AnswerDonnie:  Thank you for your question. In a situation where you have only a runner

Umpire Interference: Dead Ball Ruling & Runner Advancement

QuestionIf a hit ball hits an umpire, say standing just to the side and back of the pitcher between first and second on the infield, in the rule book it st

Pinch Runner Rules in Pony League Baseball: Strategy or Violation?

QuestionLast night, the opposing teams manager inserted a pinch runner (allowed by the umpire) into the game (bottom of the 7th).  This boy had just

Medical Waiver for All-Star Eligibility: A Guide

QuestionMy son was an all-star last year and probably would have been selected again this year. He played in 3 league games and broke his thumb across his

Baseball Umpire Ruling: Triple, Missed Base - How to Handle Scoring?

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Dennis.... Situation: bases loaded nobody out. Batter hits a triple, but I see him miss 1st base. All runner score. Coach makes appeal