Michigan High School Sports: Ejection Suspension Rules & Rainouts

QuestionWhat is the rule for  the 2 game suspension if the games are rained out. Does the rule take effect the next scheduled games? AnswerRichard,

Softball Cutoff Responsibilities: LF, CF, RF & Gaps Explained

QuestionWith relays to home plate, who is the cut-off person when the ball is hit to LF, CF, and Rf. Also, if the ball is hit in the gaps (LC, or RC) who

Baseball Rule Interpretation: Out in Left Field - Does Run Score?

QuestionTheir appears to be a discrepancy on rule interpretation between you and another individual on the web. situation: 1 out. runners on 1st and 3rd.

Softball Rule: Runner Not Touching Plate - Safe or Out?

QuestionA runner comes home and doesnt touch the plate and the umpire calls him safe out loud and with the hand gesture. The catcher has the ball and his t

Baseball Rules: Understanding Close Plays & Outs in the 4th Inning

QuestionWe were playing in an tourney following ASA rules. We were the visiting team down 2-0.  There are 2 outs in the 4th inning. We were batting an

Open Web vs. Closed Web Catcher's Mitt: Which is Best for Your Player?

QuestionMy daughter needs a good mitt.  She catches for an 18 under select league and plays high school ball.  She would like the open laces in t

Softball Stolen Bases: Rules & History - Softball vs. Baseball

QuestionPlease do not be offended, but is a stolen base in Softball really a stolen base? In other words...is a baserunner allowed to steal? It seems that

Softball Catcher's Guide: Effective Pitching Signals for Beginners

QuestionMy question is the signals I should give to my pitcher. I have tryouts next week, and Im a freshman. I didnt get to play 14 and under softball for

Foul Balls & Runner Positioning: Understanding Baseball Rules

QuestionIf a ball is hit foul and a fielder almost catches it, but drops it, can the runner stay on the base they advanced to or do they need to return to

2011 ASA Softball Pitching Distance Rules for 14U Girls - Clarification

QuestionI have been told that 14U girls would be pitching from 43 feet in 2011. Is this true? AnswerAndy, I checked the 2011 rule changes and dont see th

Calculating Base Distances in Baseball: Home Plate to Second Base

QuestionWhat is the distance from the back point of home plate to the middle of 2nd base when the bases are set at 65 distances AnswerHi Charlie, Thank yo

Forearm Protection for Softball & Baseball: Preventing Cleats

QuestionCan you recommend or suggest equipment to help protect SS and 2nd baseman forearms from getting cleated when tagging runner out at 2nd base? Answe

Base Running Rules: Is a Runner Out if Hit by a Deflected Ball?

QuestionBase runner at second base. Batter hits the ball the pitcher makes an attempt to catch the ball, the ball strikes his glove but ricochets toward se

Fixing Inconsistent Hitting in Teen Softball: Addressing Back Shoulder Drop

QuestionMy 13yr old daughter is a power hitter but is very inconsistent because she is dropping her backside when swinging. Can you help with any tips or d

ASA Fastpitch Rules for 8U, 10U, and 12U - Local League Variations

QuestionWhere can I get a printed version of ASA rules for these ages? AnswerHi Tresa, there arent many separate rules from JO for these ages anymore, mo

Evaluating Softball Pitching Potential: A Guide for Young Athletes

QuestionMy cousin really wants to play for Georgia.  She can throw around 46-48 mph at the age of 12. Is this good enough for her age, and will she be

Understanding Appeals in Baseball: Missed Bases vs. Early Out

QuestionGreat column--Im really learning a lot by reading through all of the past questions and answers.  I came up with one of my own based on previo

ASA Slow Pitch Interference Ruling: Who Gets Penalized?

QuestionR1 on 3rd.  R2 on 1st.  No outs.  Batter hits a sharp grounder to F6, who checks R1, and throws to F4 for the first out.  At th

NFHS Softball: Run Scoring When First Base is Missed - Umpire Ruling

QuestionHeres a question regarding a timing play:  Runner on 3rd, 2 outs.  Ground ball hit, Runner scores as B-R beats the throw to first.  

Infield Fly Rule: Can a Fielder Intentionally Drop a Fair Ball?

QuestionCan a fielder intentionally drop an infield fly rule ball (the ball is fair)? AnswerHi Randy, Thank you for your question!  YES, (and I will