Pitcher throwing to first

[inde53546]

Can a pitcher after receiving the ball from the catcher throw to first to " pick off" a baserunner? Our league you cant steal but girls take huge leads and walk back with their head down. Catcher can throw to first but our catchers arent able skill wise. 10u age group

 

[humpty]

Definitely.

 

[Amy in AZ.]

You are going to have to look at your local rules, since they can't steal. That would be a local rule. But, it wouldn't hurt to throw over there.

 

[canyonjoe]

As other have said, check the local rules. If they can run if you make a bad throw you might wind up giving up free bases. I'm actually shocked that you can't steal at 10u? What league is it?

 

[inde53546]

We as coaches had the option but skill level while getting better isnt quite there to do it. You might as well just move the runner from 1 to 3. We dont allow walks either. Coach p after 4 balls. Up start city league.

 

[Bucketmom]

That is a good question for me too. We play ASA rules 12 u. We are allowed to steal. So are you saying that after c gives ball back to p she can throw to 1st? Does it matter if she is already back in the circle?

 

[Amy in AZ.]

ASA rules, you would apply the look back rule. The runner must immediately either return to the base, or go to second. If you throw over there, then, you are making a play and she can advance. There is no need to throw over there, in ASA. If the girl is hesitating or dancing around, she is suppose to be out.

But, if local rules say that you can't steal, your only option is to return to the base. Throwing to first base, is going to create a play on the runner, but it all might be for nil, if she can't run anyway.

 

[CPEM]

But, if local rules say that you can't steal, your only option is to return to the base. Throwing to first base, is going to create a play on the runner, but it all might be for nil, if she can't run anyway.

See this in 8u all the time with a runner on 3B and home plate closed. There's no risk to the defense to throw down to 3B hoping to catch the runner napping. It maybe works once a game, if you have the perfect combination of a catcher who can throw, a 3B who can catch a thrown ball and apply a tag, and baserunner who isn't paying attention. And if you overthrow or your 3B misses the ball, it isn't a big deal because home is closed and the runner can't score. Makes for some very long 2 or 3 inning ball games.

 

[Bucketmom]

If she is "walking" back to 1b, usually having conversations with her 1b coach and not looking then p could make the throw?

 

[JAD]

If the catcher is allowed to make a throw down to 1B after the pitch, then the pitcher should be able to as well. As others have mentioned the "look back" rule is off if the pitcher makes a throw to 1B, but at that point you are trying to get the out and should not care. If there is a bad throw to 1B the base runner can advance, so you need to make sure your right fielder is awake and backing up the play.