Umpire Ruling: Base Running Rules in 10U Alabama ASA Tournament

QuestionBatter bunts the ball to the third baseman.She makes a throw but the batter beat the throw.First baseman throws the ball back to the pitcher who wa

Understanding Defensive Conferences in Baseball: Rules & Regulations

QuestionWhat is the current interpretation of a charged defensive conference.  Example:  I went to the mound to talk to my pitcher.  She con

Umpire Discretion with Ground Rule Doubles: Base Runner Advancement

QuestionDoes an umpire have any discretion as to where he places base runners on a ground ruled double or must they only advance two bases along with the b

Baseball Rules Clarification: Batting & Interference Scenarios

Question1. In a recent tournament, the opposing coach stated that a player is allowed to start at bat with only one foot in the box and the other out. Is t

Double Play Ruling: Does a Runner Score Before Appeal?

QuestionRunners @ first and third one out.  Short fly to center caught and throw to first completes double play.  Umpire states that runner from

Baseball/Softball Rule: Runner Hit by Ball Inside Baseline - Out or Safe?

QuestionQUESTION: I have a question with two scenarios.  In ASA if a runner is running inside the baseline and gets hit with the ball is she out? Bat

Coed Softball Lineup Rules & Strategies: Maximizing Player Potential

QuestionHello Mark, ASA coed slow pitch. Local rule is that a team can have any number of women in the lineup, but no more than 6 men if batting 10, and n

ASA Coed Slow Pitch Game Resumption: Update & League Rules

QuestionHello Mark, Not much rain this year and a lot of bad-hop singles that suddenly become triples, but we had one game (ASA coed slow pitch) that was

Baseball Play Analysis: Runner, Batter, and Out/Safe Determination

QuestionQuestion for you: Runner on first base 1 out. Deep fly hit to right, misplayed by the right fielder. Batter is right on runners heels due to waiti

Coed Softball Pitching Rules & Strike Zone Explained

QuestionI know the pitch should be min of 6ft and max of 12 ft. but what is the behind the plate ruling of a strike? I have been told it doesnt matter and

MLB Rules: Can Infielders Move During a Pitch?

Questionas a pitch is being thrown can an infielder be moving side to side ? As in moving from the hole at shortstop to up the middle as the pitch is throw

Optimal Base Umpire Positioning in Softball: A Comprehensive Guide

QuestionIn a 2 man crew what is the best positioning for the base ump in the various situations?  eg...runner on 1st, 1st & 2nd, etc... AnswerHi Jay,

Modified Baseball League: Legal Lineup Rules & Fair Play

QuestionQUESTION: Our league is a modified pitch mens league.  We just played a first round playoff game against a team that had 13 players.  The

Verbal Interference in Baseball: Rules & Expert Insights

QuestionCan there be verbal interference either offensively or defensively? Ball hit to 2nd basemen  Runner going from 1st to 2nd and runner going hom

Softball Rule: Does a Fielder's Foot Interfere with a Runner's Base Attempt?

QuestionHello, we had a softball game where a runner over ran 3rd and when attempting to get back to the base slid in and was kept from touching the base b

Understanding the Infield Fly Rule: Clarification on Umpire Discretion

QuestionTom,  I have a question about one of your answers to the Infield Fly Rule.  The original question (Billie, 07/22/2012) was that their run

Understanding Legal Catches in Baseball: Glove vs. Body

QuestionI know that a legal catch occurs when the ball is secured in the glove or the hand.  In my first year of umpiring I made the wrong call on a b

Base Running Rules: When Can a Runner Leave the Base?

QuestionDoes a runner have to wait for the ball to be in the glove before he can take off or the moment the ball touches the glove  and the catching p

How to Appeal a Baseball Umpire's Decision: A Manager's Guide

QuestionR1 is on first.  B2 hits ball into what looks like its going to be a double play.  R1 is called out at second base.  B2 is called ou

Foul Ball Reversal: Understanding Umpire Authority & Runner Placement

Questionliner hit down the 3rd base line that tips the 3rd basemans glove in fair territory but then lands foul. Home plate umpire says foul then goes to t