Baseball Umpire Ruling: Ball Over Fence with Interference - Expert Analysis

QuestionHome team is up with 2 outs in the bottom of the last inning, and the score is tied.  The batter clobbers the ball and as it is sailing over t

Is Softball Pitching Harmful for 10-Year-Olds? Expert Opinion

QuestionThank you for taking the time to answer my question. My daughter took pitching lessons for softball this year. Her coach was/is amazing. My daugh

Curveball Strategies for 12U Fastpitch: Coaching Tips

QuestionTom - I coach a 12U fastpitch team. For most of the girls this is their first experience with facing pitchers who my throw a curveball. Is there an

Passed Ball vs. Wild Pitch: Understanding the Difference in Baseball

QuestionOur coach seems to have a different view of passed ball vs wild pitch.  His daughter is pitcher.  He rules passed ball on catcher even wh

Abuse in Youth Sports: Coach Excluding Player from Batting?

QuestionHi Mr. Mielke. I am just a mom of an 11 year old girl crying her eyes out.  She played in a tournament ASA sanctioned where her coach didnt l

Improve Your Softball Umpiring Skills: Recommended Books & Resources

QuestionOther than the ASA fastpitch softball rule book, are there some softball umpire books or DVDs you would recommend for umpires to better their skill

Softball Interference & Penalty: Seeking Expert Guidance

QuestionI have read through the rules on this and I am pretty sure I know the right answer...wanted to get your take on this situation. This situation occu

High School Baseball Rules: Coach Interference & Runner Advancement

QuestionHigh School Rules - 13-14 age group.  Runner on third with one out.  1 ball and 1 strike count.  Drop curve in the dirt, batter swin

Base Running Interference: Runner's Responsibility & Rules

QuestionRunner on 1st advances towards second on a fair ball hit to F5.  F5 flips ball to F4 for the force out.  F4 attempts a DP to F3 but the t

Base Running Rules: Can a Runner Run Backwards?

QuestionRunners on 2nd & 3rd.  Batter bunts ball or puts ball in play down 1st base line... 1st basemen fields the ball then trys to tag runner.  

Base Running Rules: Left vs. Right Turns at First Base After Dropped Third Strike

QuestionWhat is the rule when a runner advances to first base after a dropped third strike, or anytime for that matter, and turns to the left to return to

Baseball Rules: Penalties for Interference, Deception & Coach Conduct

QuestionThanks for the previous answer.  Is there also no penalty for the runner who runs to first with only two strikes to draw the throw.  Seem

Umpires and Slap Hitters: Understanding the Bunting Rule

QuestionNever had umps call slap hitters out for bunting until this year. Whats the arguement with umps calling slap hitters out on a 2 strike foul.Bat cro

Base Running Rules: Is a Reverse Run Legal?

Question3rd base runner advances home on a fly ball caught by the 1st baseman. 1st baseman overthrows the catcher. The 3rd base runner crosses home and hea

Softball Rule: Fair Ball Fumble - Runner Advancement?

QuestionQUESTION: runner on first, fair ball hit to right field, fielder touched it in fair territory and then fumbled it and eventually knocked it out of

Baseball Appeals: When Can a Play Be Challenged?

QuestionBall either hits batter or hits bat.  Home plate umpire calls foul ball, ruling the ball hit the bat prior to hitting the batter. The offensi

Understanding the Slow Pitch Softball Strike Zone: A Clear Explanation

QuestionMy friend and I are having an arguement over where exactly the strike zone is.  We agree that it is knee and back shoulder, however he says th

Baseball Rule: Out on Catch & Runner Advancement

QuestionWe had a girl that caught a ball in centerfield and then went out of play over the fence.  Is the batter out and then runners advance one base

Intentional Walks in Fastpitch Softball: Rules & Strategies

QuestionIs there any rule that prevents a pitch intended to create an intentional walk, to be made behind the batter? The purpose would be to gain an advan

Designated Player (DP) as Pitcher: Eligibility & Rules

QuestionCan a player that starts as a DP sub in for a pitcher?  If so when the DP is subbed back out of the pitcher slot, can the original pitcher ret