Double Play Rule Clarification: Runners on 1st & 2nd, No Outs

QuestionASA Slow-Pitch Mens league. Runners on first and second with nobody out. Ball is hit sharply to the shortstop who fields it close to second base an

Improve Your Softball Team's Defense: Drills & Fundamentals

Questionwe have a local team that we have put together for local tourneys. The team is awful. Some of us have played, some more recently than others. And s

Baseball Rule: Runner Hit by Ball - Out or Safe?

QuestionHi Dr.Mark, my question is in reference to the rule pertaining to a runner getting hit by a batted ball. Does the rule state that the runner is out

Softball Interference Ruling: Understanding the Play at Third Base

QuestionThis is ASA Rec Womens softball with stealing allowed.  I was playing 3rd base, Runner on 2nd base.  Ball was pitched, catcher bobbled th

Coaching Strategies for 8U Softball: Ensuring Skill Development and Fun

QuestionMy daughter plays on an 8 and under team The coaches have older daughters that play 10 and under and 12 and under so when they  are coaching t

Fastpitch Strike Definition: When Does a Ball Become a Strike?

QuestionYesterday at our girls 12U fastpitch, the umpire called strikes that hit the plate. My interpretation was that it was a ball under Rule 7, Section

ASA Softball Pitching Rubber Dimensions: Length, Width & Height

QuestionI am looking to put in a pitching rubber in my back yard for 14 year old daughter to practice her softball pitching.  My question, that I cant

Softball Infield Fly Rule: Understanding the Umpire's Call

QuestionQUESTION: During a softball 14u tournament championship game, the  team batting has bases loaded and one out. The batter pops the ball up on t

Baseball Substitution Rules: DP & Flex Scenario Analysis

QuestionQUESTION: assume a 10 player line-up utilizing a dp & flex. the pitcher bats in this line-up.  pitcher throws wildly and is replaced by anothe

Batter Interference: When Must a Batter Leave the Box?

Questionleft hand batter with runner at third. When a pass ball and the runner tries to score is the batter required to leave the left hand batters box? If

Baseball Rule: Tagging Up After a Fumbled Catch - Correct Ruling

QuestionI had a league game tonight. I was on 2nd base with 1 out. Batter hit the ball to RC and RC fielder caught the ball initially, I tagged up and ra

ASA Interference Rules: Double Play & Runner Contact

QuestionHi Dr. Ambrose...we play in a church league governed by ASA rules.  Heres the sitation: runner on 1st, no outs.  Batter hits a ground bal

Coed Softball Game Interruption: Resuming Play After Rain Delay - JPCenney

QuestionHi, my name is Amanda and i work for JPCenney. We have a coed softball teams at my job. I play 2nd base for my team and was wondering if you could

Slow Pitch Baseball: Legal Batter Box Positioning According to ASA Rules

QuestionWe have had an agruement in our league with 1 team about standing in the batters box... When they come up to bat they always have 1 foot behind the

Dropped Third Strike with Bases Loaded & 2 Outs: Strike Zone Rules Explained

QuestionWhen you have bases loaded with 2outs does drop 3rd strike apply?Im an ump for 15 u girls thanks much. AnswerLet me answer this way. With less th

Base Running Rules: Runner's Responsibility & Umpire's Role

QuestionThe 2B runner had a large lead off after the pitch. The pitcher came back into the circle with the ball out of her glove and up by her head Ie., re

Infield Fly Rule & Runner Safety: Baseball Rules Analysis

QuestionQUESTION: RUNNERS ON FIRST AND SECOND. ONE OUT. BATTER HITS INFIELD POP UP. UMPIRE INVOKES INFIELD FLY RULE. BALL IS NOT CAUGHT. RUNNER ON FIRST RU

Fastpitch Bats in Slowpitch Games: Legality & ASA Rules Explained

QuestionQUESTION: Is it legal to use a fastpitch bat in a slowpitch game? ANSWER: Hi david, yes, a softball bat is a softball legal for all games of soft

Catcher's Interference in Modified Softball: Understanding the Rules

QuestionIn the game, there was a play where a pitchers pitch sailed over the head of the catcher and the umpire.  After the pitch hit the backstop fen

Baseball Umpiring: Understanding the Look-Back Rule and Out Calls

QuestionHi, I just have a quick question on hesitation. I was umpiring a game and a girl rounded first on a walk. She stopped while the pitcher had control