Baseball Play Analysis: Dropped Third Strike & Home Run

QuestionSituation:  Two outs, runner on 3rd base (R-3) (no other runners) and batter-runner (RB-1) swings at third strike that is dropped.  Runne

Baseball Rule: Line Drive & Force Out Scenarios Explained

QuestionTheres one out with the bases loaded.  The batter hits a line drive to 3rd, but, before the 3rd baseman catches the ball, the runner from 1st

Softball Interference Rule: Analyzing a Close Play

QuestionHi Dr. Ambrose; I have question regarding an interference call made during a co-ed slow pitch softball game this past Saturday. The scenario: Runne

ASA Softball Bat Regulations: Legal vs. Non-Approved Bats Explained

QuestionDr. I want to get clarification on the rules.   A Batter who comes up to the plate with a bat that is senior league,  or without an

Softball Rule: Batted Ball Hits Runner - Live or Out?

QuestionHigh School Softball Rules. Topic: Batted ball hits runner. Situation: No out, Runner on First, Batter hit sharp bouncing ground ball past 2B i

Softball Rule: Batter Swing & Bat Drop - Fair Territory Ruling

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Scott what are the ruling for batter swings hits ball and as batter/runner heads towards first base. batter drops bat in fair territor

Umpire Positioning & Catcher Adjustment: ASA Rules & Best Practices

QuestionMark, I just had a meeting with a league i am about to umpire in.  One of the complaints that came up in a form of a statement was that UMPIR

Softball & Baseball Scoring Rules: Defensive Indifference & Run Awarded on Obstruction

QuestionIs defensive indifference an official stat in both softball and baseball? With runners on first and third, I see on the scorecard where I gave the

MLB Rule: What Happens When a Batter Hits the Ball Twice?

QuestionBall is hit into the ground, bounces up and hits the bat again while the batter is finishing their swing. I know the batter is out, but how is it s

Softball Walk Rule: Can a Batter Refuse a Walk in ASA Slow Pitch?

QuestionIn ASA Slow Pitch (open division) softball (Specifically NAGAAA), starting with a 1-1 count, if the batter is pitched 3 called balls, making 4 ball

Legality of a Pitcher's Step-Back Motion - Baseball Rules

QuestionCan a pitcher once she presents the ball and both feet are on the plate take a step back with one of her feet(the space is about 2 feet from the pl

12U Softball: Preventing Runs with a Batter at First & Runner on Third

QuestionWe are playing 12U this year - we have found with less than two outs and a runner on third - if the batter walks she continues on to second base. &

Defending the Delayed Steal in 12U Baseball: A Coach's Guide

QuestionTom, This is our first year in 12U and we are learning a lot!  I would like your advice on the best way to cover of defend against a delayed s

Slopitch Baseball Rule Question: Unethical Play & Umpire Discretion

QuestionHello the Dr.:) Scenario (not positive if jurisdiction would have different rules but curious nonetheless)   Mixed adult slopitch Runners o

Catcher Interference Ruling: Analyzing the Play & Awarding Bases

QuestionNo outs. R1 at second base. B1 hits ground ball to second base. Shortstop moves instinctively left towards batted ball and has major collision with

Base Running Rules: Foul Ball & Contact with Base - Runner Out?

QuestionNo runners on. Ground ball to first base, defensive player tries to field the ball, but at the attempt the ball is touched in fair ball area and re

Softball Pitching Limits: Understanding Weekly Innings for Middle School Leagues

QuestionThis year our middle school softball league has implemented a 10 inning per week rule for pitchers referencing your organization. Could you please

Dropped Third Strike & Live Ball: ASA Rules Explained

QuestionHere is the situation. There is a runner on third with two outs. the count on the batter is 1-1. The batter swings at the next pitch and misses the

Batter Interference vs. Catcher's Throw: MLB Rule Analysis

QuestionQUESTION: Runner on first OR second, no outs.  Left handed slapper either swings and misses or takes a pitch, ball or strike.  Runner on

Understanding NCAA Rules: Batter Hit by Pitch - What Happens?

QuestionWe have a daughter who pitches and catches Varsity Fastpitch. I understand that NCAA allows a batter to freeze in the batters box and get hit by a