Batter Interference: When is a Batter Called Out?

QuestionIf a batter loses balance while trying to avoid being hit by a pitch (leans backward and one foot lands out of batter box) and then ends up in the

Softball Foul Tip Rule: Slow Pitch vs. Fast Pitch Explained

Question1)In slow pitch does foul ball have to go over batters head for him to be called out if caught by catcher? 2)Is it same rule for fastpitch? 3)What

Little League Stealing Rules: When Can Runners Advance?

QuestionIn the williamsport tourney we will have unlimited stealin. When can you delay steal or better asked, when are the runner(s)not able to steal when

Softball Pitching & Batting Rules: Hand Position and Windup

QuestionI have 2 questions. Both are based on situations I have seen called different ways by different umps. 1. The pitcher holds the ball at her side, sh

Softball Pitching Rules: Batter Safety and Umpire Authority

QuestionI girls fast pitch softball, how many batters can a pitcher hit before the umpire is required to remove her from the mound? We had a pitcher hit fo

MLB Rule Question: Runner Leaving Base on a Line Drive to Third

Questionrecently had a runner on 3rd and a line drive was hit to 3rd base as well ; the runner left the bag at first contact of bat. the 3rd base caught it

Understanding the Infield Fly Rule: A Umpire's Clarification

QuestionQUESTION: Greetings, I had an instance come up yesterday that I wanted to get clarification on (I was the umpire in this game).  Runners on fi

Understanding Protest Procedures in Baseball (ASA 9-2)

QuestionWho needs to make a protest? Must the head coach of the team make it or can a player/parent make it? I understand from previous messages it must be

Baseball Rules Clarification: Runner on 3rd & Tagging

QuestionQUESTION: Mark, The answer on 6/14 about the runner on 3rd leaving at the point of contact with the bat.  Why is that leaving early?  Al

MLB Umpire Question: Live Ball Obstruction Scenario

QuestionDr. Mark, Last night I was behind the plate and I had a hit to the outfield that was not fielded cleanly. The runner on second took third and the

Double Play & Substituting Runners: Baseball/Softball Rules Explained

QuestionWe use the dp/flex.  My dp player can really smack the ball, but is not one the the fastest girls on the team.  When she makes it on base

Base Running Rules: Overrunning First & Advancing to Second

QuestionMy daughter was playing in a game tonight when the opposing team had a girl run through first base on an overthrown ball to the first baseman. When

Fastpitch Softball: Collision Play & Umpire Discretion - Rule Analysis

QuestionMy girls were on defense (shortstop & second baseman) there is a runner on second and third, no one on first with two outs. The batter hits the bal

Fastpitch Softball Bunt Rules: Foot Placement & Batter's Box

QuestionOn a bunt attempt, do both feet have to remain in the batters box or can the front foot be outside the box as long as the back foot remains in the

Slow Pitch Baseball: Understanding Courtesy Steps and Dead Balls

QuestionThis situation occured during a Mens Slow Pitch game between the 2 top teams in the league who were both undefeated going into the game.  Ther

U12 Softball: Understanding Catcher Roughness Calls & Player Safety

QuestionMy daughter is the catcher for her u12 softball team and in our tournament game she got about 10 outs at home but they called 3 or 4 of them safe b

Correcting Step-Out in Fastpitch Softball: A Parent's Guide

QuestionHello, My daughter is 14 years old and has played for many years for league, travel and now JV softball in high school.  It has been noticed r

Baseball Interference: Understanding Runner's Rights at First Base

QuestionI will try to explain my question the best i can cause im not very good in english. There was a runner on the first base. The guy at the bat it the

Baseball Rule Question: Appeal After Triple & Time Out

QuestionI was at a game this year and bases were loaded with one out. The batter hit the ball to right field for a triple. Three runners crossed the plate,

Fly Ball Rules: Runner Advancement After Dropped Catch

Questionif a runner is on base and a fly ball is hit, the ouutfielder appears to catch the ball and then bobbles it and then catches it. if the runner is t