Runner Leaving Early in Baseball: Rules & Situations

QuestionQUESTION: There is a lot of confusion regarding what to do when a runner leaves before the ball reaches the batter. Is there a situation where that

Fair Ball Rule: Third Base Bounces Explained

QuestionIf a ball is hit down the third baseline, and it bounces in foul territory, spins, and then goes back on the fair side of third base (or any place

Pitching Without a Mound: Safe Alternatives for Youth Baseball

QuestionHi Brian, A question came up in our local Babe Ruth (Ripken Division) league.  Our league has only one dedicated field for the 9 - 12 year ol

Organizing a Youth Baseball Tournament: A Guide for Rec Leagues

QuestionHi Martin, Question: were setting up our end-of-season rec youth baseball tournament (Babe Ruth League, Ripken Division...not Little League). &nbs

Overthrow to First Base in Little League: Runner's Safety & Rules

QuestionIn little league, on an over throw to first base, does the runner get second base automatically or can he be thrown out? AnswerPaul, Two scenario

Force Out Play: Run Scoring with Bases Loaded - Baseball Rules Explained

QuestionMy question is that the other team had bases loaded and the batter hits the ball to the second baseman who tags the runner right before he gets to

Choosing a Coaching Career Path: Degree Options & Advice

QuestionI am a college freshman interesting in becoming a coach.  Would you recommend that I major in Excercise Science, Physical Education, Athletic

Base Running Rules: Force Outs & Runner Positioning

QuestionThere is a runner on 1st and the batter hits a ground ball. The batter is thrown out at 1st. Since this takes the force play out, can the runner fr

MLB Pitching Statistics: Career No-Decisions & Bullpen Blowups

QuestionMr. Flaspohler, Which pitcher has the most career no-decisions?  Also, if possible, which pitcher has left a game the most times with a lead,

MLB Rule: Dropped 3rd Strike with Bases Loaded - What Happens?

QuestionWhat is the rule in a bases loaded situation? AnswerWith bases loaded and if there are less than two outs, the batter is out on the 3rd strike and

Infield Fly Rule: Understanding a Missed Call & Its Implications

QuestionHere is the set up: I am coaching first base. Runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. The ball is popped up ten feet in front of home plate. The ball

How to Throw a Harder Curveball: Tips for Young Pitchers

QuestionQUESTION: hello mike, Im a 14 year old playing freshman baseball and I was looking up different pitching grips when i came across a answer you gav

Baseball Rule: Foul Ball vs. Dead Ball - Batter's Swing

QuestionHello, During one of our Instructional games (age 7 & 8) a player pitch ball bounced in front of the plate and the batter swung and missed. The coa

Developing a Young Baseball Pitcher: Encouragement & Guidance

QuestionSir, I have a nine year old son and he plays baseball. He has been selected to play on the tournament team the last two years and although he is a

Helping Your Son Overcome Fear of Sliding in Baseball

QuestionMy son is 13 years old, very tall and thin, a pretty good, reliable, Babe Ruth baseball player (13 years old). He takes instruction well. Hes never

Offseason Training & Work Habits for Baseball Players - Q&A

QuestionHey Jon, Im 19 and Ive been working my way back into baseball slowly after being away from the game for 2 years but keeping fresh by running, thro

Baseball Anxiety in Kids: Helping Your Child Overcome Fear of Getting Hit

QuestionQUESTION: My son was hit by a couple of baseballs and now we cant get him up to the plate. He would rather sit out and not play. He is 8 (almost 9)

Coach Background Checks: Guidelines & Liability for Leagues

Question What type of guidelines should the league have in place for running background checks on coaches? Does little league do them?  Whats the crit

Understanding the 'Drop and Drive' Pitching Technique for Young Pitchers

QuestionQUESTION: My son is 12 years old and has been pitching for the last three years.  His height is around 58.  He throws a fast ball (four s

Improving a 7-Year-Old's Baseball Swing: Bat Speed & Stance

QuestionMy son has moved up from T-ball to a pitching league where the coaches pitch from one knee.  I have two questions. 1) his bat speed seems slow