Softball Rule: Runner Contact with Base & Fair Ball - Safe or Out?

QuestionASA softball bases loaded none out. batter hits a fair ball down thirdbase line runner remains in contact with base and is struck in fair territor

Baseball Rules: Live Ball After Throwing to Runner - Explanation

Questionso is the ball dead or live? does the runner returning to 1st base get second or third?   AnswerThe ball continues to be live.  Runner is

Softball Throwing Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

QuestionI have to teacha person who has never learnt how to throw a softball haw to do a basic overarm throw. Which technique would be the best to teach he

Pinch Hitting and Re-entry Rules in Baseball: A Legal Analysis

QuestionWe played a game last night where the oppossing manager in the bottom of the 6th inning with the game tied 10-10 bases loaded, 2 out- wanted to pin

ASA Baseball Rules: Home Run & Base Touches - Correct Call Analysis

QuestionA batter hit a lead-off home run.  He touched Ist, 2nd and 3rd bases then went into the dugout claiming that ASA rules state he does not need

Umpires' Guide: Batter Hit by Pitch - Strike vs. Interference

QuestionI was the home umpire of a game when I had a weird event happen. The batter was watching a pitch come in to the plate and as the ball was getting c

Correcting Back Shoulder Drop in Baseball Swing: Drills & Fixes

QuestionMy 15 year old drops her back shoulder while swinging the bat. What can I do, drills and such to help her get over this problem. Thanks, Jim Ans

Softball Pitching Rules: Foot Placement on the Rubber (10U)

QuestionThis question pertains to ASA rules for 10U girls fastpitch softball. How many feet have to be in contact with the pitching rubber during the deliv

ASA Rules for Catchers: Blocking Home Plate - A Clear Explanation

QuestionI have read the answer that was given to Ken but is still a little unclear for me!  My daughter is a catcher and need to know the exact rule o

Fastpitch Softball Designated Player Rules: Legal Play Scenarios

Question ------------------------- Followup To Question - Mens Fastpitch softball. 2 part question. Part#1 At the start of the game the pitcher is bein

Handling Rainouts & Pitching Changes in Baseball Leagues - Expert Advice

QuestionDear Dr. Ambrose I am running a league in NY that is 3 years in existance.  We have came across a situation this Sunday (Aug. 27th) where the

Fastpitch Umpire Responsibilities: Handling Close Plays & Tag Outs

QuestionThanks for the very quick answer to my previous question. The followup is somewhat hypothetical but interesting. Same situation as above ... the ta

Fielder's Control: Understanding Proper Ball Handling in Baseball

QuestionWith a runner on first and second a grounder was hit to the shortstop.  The ss threw to 3rd who dropped the ball.  The 3rd baseman kept h

Improve Softball Batting Accuracy: A Simple Approach

Questionhow can you be more accurate when you hit a softball? when its fast pitched? AnswerHello Stephanie Its difficult enough hitting a fast pitched so

Baseball Rule: Touching Home Plate with Runners on Base - Does it Count?

Questionok..lets say there are only 5 home runs allowed in the game... as the game goes on we hit four..Now, with runners on 2nd and 3rd, 2 out, i hit a di

Fastpitch Softball Pitching: Hip Pass Limits & Technique

Question ------------------------- Followup To Question - In fastpitch softball, how many times can the ball pass the hip in the forward motion?  I

10U ASA Fastpitch Softball Bunting Rules: Are Girls Allowed to Bunt?

QuestionAre 10 and under girls allowed to bunt?   AnswerHello Keith As far as I know 10U ASA fastpitch rules allow bunting.  10-Under teams play

ISF Baseball Rules: Running Strategy After a Fair Hit - Can Runners Change Direction?

QuestionHi Mark Playing under ISF Rules when you are forced to advance due to a fair hit ball are you permitted in a run down situation to reverse your dir

Force Out Rule: Can a Fielder Touch the Base with One Hand?

QuestionMy question to you is on a force out once the fielder has control of the ball in her glove hand can she touch the base with her other hand and it b

Baseball Rules: Is a Deflected Ball a Hit?

QuestionWhen a ball is hit hard up the middle and is deflected by the pitcher, does this count as a hit to the batter if the batter reaches first base. &nb