Understanding Fair and Foul Balls in Baseball: A Comprehensive Guide

Questionclarification    Batted ball BOUNDS over 1st or 3rd base, it doesnt matter where ball lands after if passes over the base...(fair/fo

Handling Interference & Obstruction in Softball: A Coach's Guide

QuestionDR. Ambrose We had a situation in a 12u ASA league game where the short stop, while trying to field a easy hit ground ball between her position an

Baseball Substitution Rules: Legality of Player Changes

QuestionDr., I hope I am not confusing you with this question. At the begining of a game Jenna is listed as our first base player, Sam is listed as our p

Softball Rule: Runner Advancement on Foul Ball Near Fence

QuestionTom,    My daughter plays 12 and under fast pitch softball.  She plays at the shortstop position.  With a runner on third

Bunt & Ground Ball Plays: When Does a Batter Get Credit for a Hit?

QuestionTom If a batter bunts or hits a ground ball and the fielder tries to make a play at the lead runner without success, can the batter be credited wit

Fast Pitch Signaling Rules: Coach to Pitcher Communication

QuestionDr. Ambrose League: ASA 12u fast pitch Is there a rule that covers calling the type of pitch to the pitcher from the coach before the pitch. &nb

U12 Baseball: Illegal Obstruction by Pitcher - Coach's Question

QuestionI am a first year coach of a U12 team. I had a girl running home from 3rd base on a wild pitch.  The catcher threw the ball to the pitcher wh

Umpire Decision: Home Run & Base Path Rule - Case Study

QuestionSituation:  I was the base umpire on a 2 man crew.  One out with a runner on first.  Modified league rules allow for the batter and

Softball Interference: What Happens When a Dropped Bat Hits a Fair Ball?

QuestionFastpitch softball:  The batter bunts the ball fair.  She drops her bat to run to first.  The bat hits the ball on the ground; the b

Wild Pitches & Player Safety in Softball: Umpire & Coach Options

QuestionIf a pitchers is throwing alot of wild pitches and she already hit at least one player, is there anything that the umpire or opposing coach can do?

ASA Fastpitch Rules: Pitcher's Foot Placement & Ball Presentation

QuestionDo both feet have to be in contact with the pitchers plate when presenting the ball? AnswerKind of.  There is no mention of Presenting the ba

Softball Play: Force vs. Tag - Bases Loaded Scenario

QuestionMiddle School softball, bases loaded, less than 2 outs. Sharp ground ball to first base, fielded by first baseman. She steps on first to retire the

Baseball Rules: Bunting, Interference, and Live Ball Situations

Question1st, If a batter squares off to bunt but does not bring the bat back to take a pitch, would that be a strike? On a past ball, a runner scores, but

Illegal Pitches in Girls Fastpitch: Rules & Consequences

QuestionI know there is no balk in girls fastpitch.  First, what is the result of an illegal pitch with and without runners on base?  Secondly, i

Baseball, Softball, Fastpitch & Slowpitch: Understanding the Differences

QuestionHi I am new to this sport, having grown up in Europe. My daughter is interested in joining a fastball team. What is the difference between baseball

Understanding DP/Flex Rules in ASA: Clarifying Rule 4-3-D & 4-3-I

QuestionHi Dr. Mark - I enjoy reading your past answers and use them as a personal trivia game to test my knowledge!  My question pertains to the eve

Fastpitch Softball: First Base Obstruction Rules & Runner's Rights

QuestionAfter the batter hits the ball, a throw to 1B ends up pulling the first baseman into the runners path.  The first baseman is blocking both the

ASA Baseball: Is a Runner's Advance to Third a Legal Steal?

QuestionA ball is pitched with a runner on second, after the ball crosses the plate, the runner on second walks towards third. The catcher throws the ball

ASA Baseball Rules: Runner Advancement After Catch & Infield Fly Rule Clarification

QuestionASA Rules (1) Bases were loaded and a fly ball hit to left field.  Left fielder bobbles ball a little then catches the ball before it hits th

2nd Baseman Positioning: Legal Risks & Proper Placement

QuestionDoes a 2nd baseman have the right to take up the position of standing right in the baseline as her permanent position in an inning so if the opposi