When can a runner steal?
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I'm not sure the rubber has anything to do with it. It is my understanding that once the ball is in the pitchers hand in the pitching circle the runner must either continue forward or retreat AS LONG AS THE PITCHER RAISING THE BALL TO PLAY ON HER. If the pitcher is raising the ball to potentially play on the runner, the circle means nothing and the runner is free to bait the pitcher.
Rules experts out there, is that correct???
Rules experts out there, is that correct???
Not a rules expert but you are correct, the pitching plate has nothing to do with the runners. It is all about the circle.
Once the ball is in the circle, in the P’s hands, the runner must go forward or retreat.
(If the runner is already on a base they need to stay there)
Once the ball is in the circle, in the P’s hands, the runner must go forward or retreat.
(If the runner is already on a base they need to stay there)
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The confusion may come from the rule stating to the effect that the pitcher may not assume a pitching position on the rubber without the ball.
The situation was that my DD who is the pitcher was standing behind the rubber getting her signs and the runner on 2nd takes off. Since she was not expecting this and the 3rd baseman was playing in, the runner was safe. The opposing coach said that he picked this up from another coach who said he did it all the time.
The runner is out in the situation you described. She doesn’t go back to her base, she is out!
Your coach needs to locate the rule for the organization you play for, ASA 8.T Look Back Rule. If it happens again enjoy your free out.
Your coach needs to locate the rule for the organization you play for, ASA 8.T Look Back Rule. If it happens again enjoy your free out.
As has been stated, the pitching plate has nothing to do with the rule. If the pitcher has the ball in the circle and is not making a play, any runner off base must immediately advance or retreat to a base and if on a base they may not leave the base.
I am assuming your daughter was not tossing the ball in the air, or tieing her shoe, messing with her hair with the ball under her arm or between her legs? ASA requiars posession and control of the ball by the pitcher, all other rule sets are just posession.
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Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
"Immediately" does not mean quickly so a runner who is moving slowly toward the next base is not in violation of the LBR. And technically, a runner isn't required to commit to advancing or retreating until after their allowed stop.
- May 17, 2012
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I don't disagree with what you are saying here but in this case the runner was on a base so in my mind the decision was already made.
It's my understanding if you are off the base you have one commit, if you are on the base you have already committed.
Splitting hairs here, but that's how I see it.
Do we know for sure which rule set applies? If by chance they were playing NCAA/NJCAA or a derivative there is a scenario that may apply with a batter/runner running through 1st base then advancing with the pitcher in the circle providing they do not make contact with 1st base.
