Batter's Box Rules for Slap Bunts & Stepping Out - Softball

QuestionHi Mark, I have 2 questions that relate to each other. 1.  I have read many answers to questions relating to stepping out of the batters box b

Runner Hit by Ball: Interference or Leg Contact?

QuestionIs it interference when a hit ball strikes a runner as they are trying to advance to another base? The situation at hand was a ball was hit between

Baseball Rule Clarification: Runner's Awarded Home Plate?

QuestionHi Dr. Ambrose, I was reading back through old answer, and this one caught my eye and I had another question about it: Just a little more info be

Softball Fielder Positioning Rules: 10U Regulations & Guidelines

QuestionIn Baberuth girls 10u softball are there any restrictions on placing fielders or does the setup need to be 4 infielders 4 outfielders a pitcher and

Slowpitch ASA League: Batter's Box Guidelines & Proper Stance

QuestionIn my Adult Slowpitch ASA league some batters stand quite far from the plate, however without batters box lines, it is not clear if they are still

Understanding the ASA Fast Pitch Illegal Pitch Rule: Finger Licking & Penalties

QuestionOur pitcher was called for an illegal pitch for going to her mouth without wiping it off.  The existing runners were awarded an extra base and

Baseball Timeout Rules: Manager Requests & Batter Stance

QuestionHow many times can a team manager call timeout an inning?  How long does a batter get to get into the batters box once i request a batter befo

Women's ASA Fast Pitch Rules: Batter-Runner & Double Base Scenarios

QuestionI have a couple questions about womens ASA fast pitch rules. 1. Whats the ruling if the batter-runner steps back toward home to delay a tag?  

Softball Rule: Runner Tagged Out on Third Base - Correct Ruling?

Question SOFTBALL:  BASES LOADED NO OUTS, BATTER SENDS LINE DRIVE  FAIR DOWN THIRD BASE LINE, BALL STRIKES RUNNER STANDING ON THIRD BASE, THIRD B

Analyzing Umpiring Decisions in Youth Baseball: A Coach's Dilemma

QuestionHi Dr. Ambrose, I had a few situations pop up this weekend at a 10U B national qualifier tournament. 1) R1 at 1st, groundball to F4. F4 tagged the

Crow Hop Pitching Technique: Legal Mechanics & Foot Placement

QuestionHey Mark - simple question regarding pitching: Does the pitchers foot have to be on the rubber when the ball is released? AnswerHi Tim, basically

Runner Interference in Baseball: Understanding the Rules & Consequences

QuestionThere was a runner on first with two outs.  I hit a ball to right field and it looked like I would get a double or triple.  The baserunne

Base Running Rules: Can a Runner Retreat?

QuestionRunners on first and second, 1 out. Ball hit to SS who fields it cleanly and looks to tag the runner who was on second now running to 3rd. The runn

Baseball Game End: Umpire's 'Ballgame' Call & Time Limits

QuestionI was going to ask a question about an umpire calling ballgame immediately after the third out of the bottom 1/2 of an inning (not the last) with t

Baseball Interference: Runner vs. Fielder - Safe or Out?

QuestionA runner is running towards 3rd base and the fielder is blocking the base with ball in a non-force out situation.  In an attempt to reach the

Umpire Authority & Player Testimony in Youth ASA Softball Games

QuestionDuring our U12 ASA girls slowpitch game, the home plate umpire(the only umpire on the field) made an out call at 1st base.  Upon complaints by

Softball Strikeout Controversy: Understanding Umpire Calls & Player Rights

QuestionHey Mark, I was catcher in the middle of a high school softball game. The batter had 2 strikes on her, and there were 2 outs. The ball was pitched,

Softball Batting Improvement: Advice for Aspiring High School Players

QuestionI have recently just started to think about playing softball. Im 15 and have good hand-eye coordination, but Im not so consistent with my batting.

League Penalties: Understanding Forfeits and Game Results After Illegal Equipment Use

Questiona team in our league was discovered using an altered bat.  They were the second place team.  As a manager I just got an email saying the

Out of Order Batter Controversy: Understanding Baseball Rules & Protests

QuestionWe have a huge controversy in our division.  The last game we played the opposing team received an out for batting out of order, but they said