Uncaught Third Strike: Does the Batter Advance?

QuestionThird strike bypasses catchers glove and lodges in chest protector.  Catcher grabs ball from chest protector and transfers to glove.  Is

Batting Order Violations: Understanding Illegal Batting Procedures

QuestionTwo part question. Batter-3 is suppose to bat, but was injured. Coach brings in a substitute for B-3. The coach ask the umpire that the substitute

Double Base Rule Explained: Infield Plays & Runner Safety

QuestionI have two questions; one on the double base rule; If a runner going to first hits the white bag and there is a play on, the 1st baseman misses the

MLB Softball: Dropped Third Strike with Bases Loaded - Rules Explained

QuestionScott...     My Little League Softball (10-12 year olds) team has run into the following situation twice over the last two gam

Batting Order Changes & Rules: Understanding Re-entries and Lineup Alterations

QuestionFollow up on question from 5-3-11. If the offensive team would have reached the number 9 batting slot were the team put the substitute that was sup

Understanding RBI Rules: When Does a Batter Get Credit?

QuestionI have been told that for every run scored there should be an RBI recorded, no matter what.  Is this true? AnswerBill, It is not true that f

Batting Order Violations & Legal Substitutions in Baseball

QuestionA question came up about the one I sent to you on 5-3-11. I know that batter-3 was injured and a substitute was put in. The substitute was put in a

Base Running Interference: Umpire's Call Explained

Questionrunner on 1st and 2nd ball is hit toward ss the runner advancing from 2nd has to jump over the ball to avoid being hit the ss boobles the ball ever

ASA Conference Rules: Player Conferences and Timing

QuestionIn ASA rules when an opponent calls time for a conference with one or more of their players can I have a free conference with one or more of my pla

MLB Rule: Illegal Substitution & Player Re-entry

Questionin the top of the 6th inning the opposing team made a re-entered the wrong player as a runner that i did not catch before the the 1st pitch of the

Base Running & Interference: Rule Clarification for ASA 8u Coach Pitch

QuestionWe play ASA 8u coach pitch. We had a hit that went between 1st and 2nd just as we had a runner advancing to 2nd. The runner jumped over the ball an

Softball Rule: Catcher's Throw to First with Two Strikes - Explanation

QuestionI think i saw this in an NCAA SEC softball game this weekend.  While a girl was batting the catcher threw the ball to first base with only two

Understanding Delay of Game in Softball: Causes & Consequences

Question10U Fast Pitch softball game, after we batted 3rd inning, we had a big lead and were trying to get the back-ups and 3rd string catcher in the game.

Foul Ball Rules: When Does a Batted Ball Become a Foul?

QuestionIf the batter hits the ball, then the batted ball hits the plate is the ball a foul ball? Can you tell me where to find this in the rule book? Ans

Understanding the USSSA 'Initial Play' Rule: A Detailed Explanation

QuestionGood morning!  Could you please explain what initial play consists of? We were playing in a USSSA tournament this weekend.  R1 on 2 and R

Softball Infield Fly Rule & Runner Interference: Understanding the Outs

Questionbases loaded 1 out, ball hit infield, girl fielding the ball ran into the runner going from 2nd, she dropped ball. How many outs 1 or 2? AnswerHi

Baseball Rule: Understanding Smart Defense & Double Plays

QuestionIf a guy is standing on first and the other guy hits a grounder to the first baseman. The runner didnt leave the base and our guy tagged the runner

ASA Baseball Rule: When Can a Game Ball Be Changed?

QuestionBefore the start of my daughters game the ASA umpire selected two game balls from a box that the coach had.  He then checked over every single

Understanding Legal Pitching Motions in 10U Softball

QuestionMy daughter plays on a 10U team.  The umpire in our scrimmage says she has an illegal pitching motion.  I will try to explain what she do

16U Softball: Catcher Obstruction Play Analysis & Rules

QuestionIn a girls 16U FP game there was a play where the runner on third was attempting to score on an over throw to third base.  The third basemen w