Fixing Over-the-Top Swings in Young Baseball Hitters

QuestionQUESTION: My son is 8 and is a very good hitter for his age group, with lots of power.  But recently he has started hitting everything dead le

Youth Baseball Obstruction Rules: Catcher's Mask & Runner Safety

QuestionKevin, My 9 year old team recently had the following situation happen: 1) runner from third attempted to score on a ball hit to RF; 2) catcher thr

Dixie Youth Baseball: Ball in Play & Possession - Umpire Disagreement

Question(11-12 year old Dixie Youth league): Scenario: With two outs, the first baseman knocks down a ball bounced to him as a throw to retire the batter,

Baseball Sliding Rules: Headfirst Slides and Umpire Discretion

QuestionMy grandsonss team member slid into first base, head first. It was more like a dive, sorta. This was a freshmen tournament and the umpire called hi

Base Running Rules: Can a Runner Advance on a Passed Ball?

QuestionQUESTION: Batter at plate had a 3 and 2 count.A runner at second base with one out.On the next pitch to the batter the catcher misses the ball comp

All-Star Team Selection: Player Quotas & Requirements

QuestionHello. Im wondering how many players are picked from each team to form an All Star team? Can a coach take all of their team & place them on the All

Little League Fair Ball Called Foul: Umpire Error & Correct Handling

QuestionWe had the following happen in our little league game (9-year-olds) and nobody was quite sure how to handle the situation. With runners on, the ba

NCAA Relief Pitching Rules: Understanding Game Regulations

QuestionIs there any NCAA rule regarding the number of relief pitchers allowed in a game/inning? AnswerBob, I dont have the college rulebook, but each r

Little League Tag Up Rule: Force Out or Safe?

QuestionHi, I have Little leauge question in regards to tagging up. Here is the situation - player on 1st and 3rd with one out. Line drive is hit to the se

Baseball Rule Clarification: Double, Infield Hits & Runner Advancement

QuestionHi Martin.  In our instructional league - ages 7-9 boys, the ball has to be hit on to the outfield grass in order to possibly have a double. A

Baseball Rules: HBP vs. Foul Ball - 7-8 Year Olds

QuestionIn a recent game, a player was hit by a pitch from the pitching machine.  The scenario, wind blowing about 30 mph, not sure if batter was atte

Base Running Interference: Understanding Runner Rights & Umpire Decisions

QuestionWith a runner on second, a ground ball is hit towards the shortstop.  The shortstop charges the ball as the runner on second heads to third. &

Little League Baseball: Runner Leaving Base Early - Umpire Ruling

QuestionI have been an ASA Umpire for the past 5 years.  Recently I have been asked to help with our local Little League.  A question came up abo

Outfield Drills for Young Baseball Players (Ages 8-9)

QuestionI am coaching an 8/9 little league all star team.  Most of the kids played infield all year, and some will now be in teh outfield.  I am

Little League Tag Up Rule: Force Out or Appeal?

QuestionThe below question was submitted by someone else.  I was reviewing the Q&As and come across this one.  You answered that the appeal was a

Troubleshooting Wood Bat Swing: Compact Swing & Lack of Power

Questioni am a very stalky player, about 58 and all butt and thighs. i just completed my first college season at a jc and have always thought i had a compa

Improving Hitting Against Fast Pitchers: Drills for Little League Players

QuestionI coach a 10 year old travel baseball team.  I am comfortable with their swings in general and we can hit most average to above average pitche

Becoming a Major League Baseball Player: A Guide for High School Prospects

QuestionIm a Freshmen in high school and I was wondering what I have to do to be Major League material. AnswerMarcus, What scout look for are the five too

Infield Fly Rule: Understanding & Applying It Correctly

QuestionHi heres our situation.  Bases loaded with one out.  Our batter hit a ball that reached about 9 feet in height (a weak line drive) and la

Improving Baseball Baserunning Speed in 11-Year-Olds

QuestionWillie, my son is 11 yrs old and has long legs and big feet which has slowed him way down.  He used to be pretty quick, however, now he is the