Slow Pitch Softball: Understanding the 10th Player Out Rule

QuestionWe just had a league game where we had a questionable call that I would like clarified if you can.  We were playing a team that had only 9 pla

Is Too Much Softball Pitching Harmful? Expert Advice

QuestionI have a daughter who pitched 15 games in a 2 day period, took 1 day rest, practiced on the next day, traveled, then pitched again. She is pitching

Legal Pitching in ASA Softball: A Detailed Analysis

Question If the pitcher steps on the rubber and has both feet in contact with the rubber, her hands are apart, and the ball is in her glove.  Before

ASA Slow Pitch Rule: Fair Ball When Hitting Home Plate

QuestionASA slow pitch - a batted ball hits home plate and rolls in front of home plate between the foul lines.  I believe that the ball is fair, beca

Baseball Interference: Runner Hit by Throw While Advancing - Legal Analysis

QuestionI have read a few questions here that are similar, but havent found one that is exactly the question that I have. 1 out - Runners on 2nd & 3rd, ba

Umpire Interference: Rules & Consequences in Baseball

QuestionWhat happens when an umpire impedes a base runner? Situation: Bases loaded, 2 outs, bottom of last inning. Batter hits a deep line drive into the

Coed Softball Positioning: Umpire Responsibilities & Infield Player Rules

QuestionHi Dr. Mark, I have read the past questions/answers here about the defensive coed (ASA slow pitch) positions, but I still have a few questions. 1.

Infield Ground Ball Out of Bounds: Base Running & Umpire Ruling Analysis

QuestionQUESTION: Dear Dr. Mark R Ambrose, During a game tonight, the following happened: We had a runner on 1st -our next batter hit an infield ground b

Bunting Rules: Umpire Discretion on Strike Calls

Question In a response from a question on 7/6/07 on bunting, you stated If the bat is in front of the plate when the ball passes it it is a strike. Even if

Bunting & Dropped Bats in Baseball: Live Ball or Foul?

QuestionBatter bunts ball into fair territory and while dropping the bat, it makes contact with the live ball. Does it matter where the ball goes after mak

Emergency Care for Pitching Injuries: A Parent's Story

QuestionAbout 6 weeks ago my daughter, the starting varsity pitcher for her school, was pitching in a state tounament game and took a devastating line driv

ASA Rules: Can You Use a Dented Baseball Bat?

QuestionI currently hit with a 2004 Demarini F2, I love this bat, it is broke in and provides me with more than enough pop. My problem is that the bat has

Fair Ball or Foul Ball: Catcher's Position Explained

QuestionBatter hits ball that bounces up just in front of the plate.  The catcher, while standing in the right hand batters box grabs the ball and thr

ASA 14U Baseball Rule Interpretation: Awarding Bases After a Catch

QuestionQUESTION: This weekends ASA 14U A State tournament. Situation: runner at first base, one out. Batter hits a fly ball to center which is caught by D

Fast Pitch Interference & Pitching Limits: Understanding Baseball Rules

QuestionMy daughter plays fast pitch high school ball and was called for interference after she bunted and ran to first. She was inside the foul/baseline a

Baseball ASA Rule Interpretation: Base Interference and Player Rights

QuestionASA rules. We were playing on a field with non secure bases. My player hits a ball and heads to second base. Their shortstop accidently kicks the b

MLB Rule: What Happens When a Thrown Ball Hits a Bat?

QuestionThis question came up this weekend. I understand the ruling on a batted ball making contact with a bat but what is the call if a thrown ball hits t

ASA Slo Pitch: Out of Play Catches & Home Run Rules

QuestionRecently a ball was hit to left field and the outfielder jumped caught the ball and fell over the fence but never came back down in play. I am an A

Controlling Power: Helping a Fastpitch Softball Player Adjust Her Swing

QuestionMy daughter(13) plays fastpitch softball and is a very intense player.  My question is: her swing is so fast that she hits the ball out in fro

Baseball: When to Change the Ball - Umpire Authority & Game Play

QuestionQUESTION: Is it up to the umpires discretion as to when a new ball is to be used in a game?  Or does it have to be used at the top of an innin