MLB Rule 8.01b: Pivot Foot Placement - Clarification & Updates

QuestionRegarding Rule 8.01b.  In the latest version of MLB rules it state ...with his pivot foot in contact with, and ...  Now comes my question

MLB History: Farthest Advance on Dropped 3rd Strikes?

QuestionIn MLB history, what is the farthest a batter has ever advanced on either a dropped or PB 3rd strike? Thanks.   AnswerAubrey, Im not sure, bu

The Value of Positive Coaching: Fostering Growth & Sportsmanship

QuestionHow do you feel about positive coaching? Everybody is supposed to take a PC class in our LL but it seems like nobody paid it much attention.  

Improve Your Baseball Swing: Control Bad Pitches & Hit Better

QuestionIm thirteen and I just moved up to the big fields. The pitchers are much better when I hit the ball I hit it decent. But my problem is I tend to st

Improving Baseball Pitch Velocity for 9-Year-Olds: Expert Advice

QuestionHey, My son is currently playing in a baseball league. He is 9 years old and pitches for his team. He has great control and accuracy, i was wonder

Balk in Baseball: Understanding the Rules & Umpire Discretion

QuestionI was watching a game and there were runners on first and second. The pitcher Turned to throw to second but the second baseman did not move to cove

Baseball Obstruction Call: Was It Correct?

Questionthere was one out and a man on first. I was base umpire and in position just left of pitcher half way between rubber and second.pitcher set turned

Coaching Young Baseball Players: Handling Losses and Focusing on Fun

QuestionQUESTION: Mike, I am at a loss.  I currently coach my 7 year old son in the 7-8 coach pitch league and I have coached him team for the last

Babe Ruth Baseball: Understanding Dropped Third Strikes & Run Scoring

QuestionThis situation arose in a recent Babe Ruth baseball game. A baserunner was on third base with two outs. On a called third strike to the batter, the

MLB Sliding Rules: Is It Legal to Slide into First Base?

Questioncan a MLB player slide into 1st base as he is trying to run and be safe? or is it illegal to do so? i was having a discussion which turned into an

Batter Interference in Baseball: Understanding the Ruling

QuestionRunner on 3rd and ther is a past ball.  As the catcher turns and flips the ball to the pitcher the ball hits the batter who was trying to duck

High School Sports & Fairness: Addressing Playing Time Concerns

QuestionMy son is a junior on his hs varsity team. He has lost alot of playing time to a sophomore who is well known to be not as good but  whose dad

Foul Tips and Live Balls in Baseball: Run Scoring Explained

QuestionA runner is on 3rd with two outs.  The batter foul tips a ball.  The catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher. The ball hits his glove

Troubleshooting a Young Baseball Player's Slump: Getting on Base

QuestionHi Michael, I have a 9 year old son who moved into kid pitch this year.  He has always been a home run hitter, always played first, third or s

Understanding Force Outs and Tagging in Baseball: A Play-by-Play Analysis

QuestionThere was one out and the bases were loaded.  The batter hit a ground ball which the 1st baseman fielded, tagged the base (second out) and th

Base Running Rules: Is a Runner Out Returning to First Base?

QuestionA batter bunts the ball.  While in the process of running to first base, the catcher throws the ball to first base but hits the batter in the

Baseball: Is a Fake Pickoff Move a Balk?

QuestionOK, my son is 10 years old and they play regular baseball rules with stealing and all.  My son was pitching and he had a kid on 3rd base. &nbs

Baseball Rule: Must Slide at Home Plate - Umpire's Decision?

QuestionRunner at 3rd base, batter lays down a bunt drops bat in baseline.  Pitcher throws runner out at first, then the first baseman throws the ball

Fair or Foul Ball in Baseball: Analyzing a Close Play

QuestionA ball is hit infront of the plate fair and is a high hopper going over the line into foul territory before third base. The fielder, standing in fa

Catcher's Interference in Baseball: Rules & Implications

QuestionWe played a game in which the catcher came in front of the plate before the pitch crossed over While executing a pitch out.  Is this legal? A