Understanding the Legalities of Advancing on a Walk in 12U Baseball

QuestionI have a daughter playing in 12u and based upon watching other teams in previous years I instructed her that if she is walked she can proceed to ad

Legal Batting Stance in Softball: Foot Placement and Rules

QuestionI was watching a womens college softball game recently, and noticed that a lot of lefty hitters trying to get a running start inside the batters bo

Baseball Rule: Force Out at Second Base - Runner Safety

QuestionRunner on first no outs.  Batter grounds the ball to first base man who steps on first.  Throw to second, fielder steps on second but doe

Infield Fly Rule Controversy: A Closer Look at a Miscalled Play

QuestionQUESTION: Hi Mark: I am interested in your opinion on the bizarre situation we encountered at a tourney this weekend. Runners on 2 and 3, one out,

Softball Overthrow Rule: Runner's Advancement After Out?

QuestionI understand on an overthrow that a runner gets 2 bases at the time of the throw..  However, If a runner is on first with no outs and upon the

Understanding Pitching Mechanics: Left Leg Movement & Rules

QuestionRight handed pitcher was told that her left leg (that starts behind and moves ahead) cannot leave the ground (which sounds impossible) but must dra

Measuring Speed to First Base in Baseball: Methods & Accuracy

QuestionIs there a standard way of measuring this? Is it from normal batting stance to first, or ball contact to first, or what? Thanks. AnswerHello Mike,

Check Swing Rule: Umpiring Authority and Consultation

QuestionMy understanding of umpiring in general is that an umpire is under no obligation to consult his colleagues but, if he is persuaded to do so, he can

Little League & Softball Coach Field Presence Rules

QuestionI am one of the co-commissioners for our towns little league and youth softball league.  We have a coach from one of our girls softball teams

Umpire Error in Championship Game: Analyzing a Critical Play

Question12&U state championsip series. This was similar to one of your previous questions regarding the umpire trying to correct a mistake.  One out

Softball Rainout Rule: Game Replay After Inning?

Questionin girls fastpitch softball, when a game is called due to rain in the top of the fourth inning is it replayed starting in the fourth inning or does

Safe and Effective Warm-up Routines for Young Pitchers

Questiondo you have any warm-ups to help pitchers arms. my daughter has been complaining because her friend got shoulder injuries. she doesnt want that! A

Pitching Equipment Regulations: Blisters & Bandages - College Softball

QuestionGame 2, Arizona vs Tenn. 2007 College WS Finals.  Arizona pitcher has a blister on her pitching hand. Has a band-aide covering it (index finge

Understanding the Slide/Veer Rule in Fastpitch Softball (No Play)

QuestionQUESTION: Hello Dr. Mark, First let me enjoy that I enjoy this site a great deal and have learned tons from you and the other experts. Now for my

Fastpitch Softball Pitching Rules: Foot Placement & Step-Offs Explained

QuestionI have two pitching rule questions. First, I was told the other night while one of our girls was pitching in a 14U fastpitch softball game that it

Softball Player Rights: Addressing Unequal Playing Time for Your Daughter

QuestionQUESTION: My daughter plays softball for Washington Iowa. Any way she has been going to all practices etc, and doing what is required of her! Any w

Safely Returning to Softball Slides After Ankle Injury

QuestionWell see I have just gotten over a bad ankle sprain. But I have been  back to playing softball for quite some time and it doesnt hurt any more

Slow Pitch Softball: Understanding Stop Play & Timeout Rules (ASA)

QuestionI play in a womens adult slow pitch league that follows ASA rules for slow pitch.  Heres the situation...no one on base, batter hits to the ou

Baseball Umpires: Game-Ending Interference Plays & Umpire Insights

QuestionQUESTION: Last night I went over to the ball fields to watch a couple games (Mens ASA SP) to see if I could pick up some things from the fellow ump

Softball Interference: Understanding Umpire Decisions & Rules

Questionsituation: runners on first and second base.batted ball is misplayed by pitcher(deflects off her glove and rolls toward second baseman who collides