Strange Rule in Little League Baseball

What happens when a runner on base leaves early? In Little League, the runner on base may not leave that base until the ball reaches the batter. So what happens if they do leave early? Are they called out?
In this video we visit one of the most unique rules for a baseball league. The complete rule is listed below...it's a long one!
RULE 7.13
Little League (Major) and Minor League: When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the catcher’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter.
The violation by one base runner shall affect all other base runners -
(a) when a base runner leaves the base before the pitched ball has reached the batter and the batter does not hit the ball, the runner is permitted to continue. If a play is made on the runner and the runner is out, the out stands. If said runner reaches safely the base to which the runner is advancing, that runner must be returned to the base occupied before the pitch was made, and no out results;
(b) when a base runner leaves the base before the pitched ball has reached the batter and the batter hits the ball, the base runner or runners are permitted to continue. If a play is made and the runner or runners are put out, the out or outs will stand. If not put out, the runner or runners must return to the original base or bases or to the unoccupied base nearest the one that was left; In no event shall the batter advance beyond first base on a single or error, second base on a double or third base on a triple. The Umpire-in-Chief shall determine the base value of the hit ball.
(c) when any base runner leaves the base before the pitched ball has reached the batter and the batter bunts, hits a ball within the infield or advances on an uncaught third strike, no run shall be allowed to score. If three runners were on the bases and the batter reaches first base safely, each runner shall advance to the base beyond the one they occupied at the start of the play except the runner who occupied third base, that runner shall be removed from the base without a run being scored.
NOTE: See exceptions following this rule.
EXCEPTION: If at the conclusion of the play there is an open base, paragraphs (a) and (b) will apply.
EXAMPLES:
1. Runner on first leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely, runner goes to second.
2. Runner on second leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely, runner returns to second.
3. Runner on third leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely, runner returns to third.
4. Runner on first leaves too soon, batter hits clean double, runner goes to third only.
5. Runner on second leaves too soon, batter hits clean double, runner goes to third only.
6. Runner on third leaves too soon, batter hits clean double, runner returns to third.
7. All runners on base will be allowed to score when the batter hits a clean triple or home run, regardless of whether any runner left too soon.
8. Runners on first and second, either leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely, runners go to second and third.
9. Runners on first and second, either leaves too soon, batter hits clean double, runner on first goes to third, runner on second scores.
10. Runners on first and third, either leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely, runner on first goes to second, runner on third remains there.
11. Runners on first and third, either leaves too soon, batter hits a clean double, runner on first goes to third, runner on third scores.
12. Runners on second and third, either leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely, neither runner can advance.
13. Runners on second and third, either leaves too soon, batter hits a clean double, runner on third scores, runner on second goes to third.
14. Runners on first, second, and third, any runner leaves too soon, batter hits clean double, runners on second, third score, runner on first goes to third.
15. Bases full, any runner leaves too soon, batter reaches first safely on any ball bunted or hit within the infield, all runners advance one base except runner advancing from third. Runner advancing from third is removed, no run is scored and no out charged. If on the play, a putout at any base results in an open base, runner who occupied third base returns to third base.
16. Bases full, any runner leaves too soon, batter received a base on balls or is hit by a pitch, each runner will advance one base and a run will score.
NOTE 1: When an umpire detects a base runner leaving the base too soon, that umpire shall drop a signal flag or handkerchief immediately to indicate the violation.
NOTE 2: For purpose of these examples, it is assumed that the batter-runner remains at the base last acquired safely.

[@davej3781]

also, while on the subject of leaving early in LL, two important reminders: 1) Leaving early cannot be undone by re-tagging the base. Once a runner leaves early, all runners remain guilty until the play is completed and the next play begins (i.e. the batter is in the box, the catcher is ready to receive the pitch, the pitcher has engaged the rubber, and all runners are again in contact with their bases) 2) If one runner is guilty of leaving early, ALL are guilty INCLUDING the batter. On a hit when a runner leaves early, all runners, including the batter runner, may advance no farther than the clean value of the hit without regard to playing errors, overthrows, throwing choices made by the defense. So if bases are loaded, R1 leaves early, the batter hits a clean single into the outfield that the defense misplays into a "little league homerun", BR is placed on 1B, and all other runners are put back on the bases as close as possible to the bases they occupied at time of pitch (if none were put out, then R3 is forced to score). 7.13 is meant to be a punishment and should be enforced as such.

[@jameslunsford7464]

I learn so much from these breakdowns! It’s made me a better umpire! Could you do a video/rule interpretation about batter runner reaching 1st base, and motion (thought about going to 2nd)? Both moving into fair territory AND same for staying in foul territory. Obviously, tag is applied in both cases! Huge point of contention where I umpire.

[@davej3781]

@@jameslunsford7464 the ONLY thing that matters is whether the runner makes a movement towards 2B which in the umpire's judgment is an attempt to advance or feint towards 2B. It makes no difference whether the runner is in fair or foul territory, and it makes no difference which way the runner turns.

[@tubehound69]

It's just a bonus that the home plate ump totally blew the call on the force out at home.

[@tmckinsey79]

The catcher obstructed the runner heading home. You cannot stand in front of the plate unless you have the ball in hand

[@tubehound69]

@@tmckinsey79 it’s only obstruction if the runner’s path was altered prior to the fielder receiving the ball. Said another way, obstruction has not happened unless the runner alters his path AND the fielder does not have the ball. This was not obstruction on the catcher. The catcher can stand wherever he feels like, even without the ball. It’s not obstruction until the runner alters his path. The runner never had to alter his path.

[@tmckinsey79]

@@tubehound69the catcher cannot block home plate unless he has the ball in his hand. The runner has to have a clear path to the base.

[@rj7411]

Outstanding MJH! Now THAT'S what I call breaking it down and getting into the Rulebook. Love that your viewers (probably umpires) are helping you out with the missed details and nuances of LL Baseball. Keep it up.

[@jacobcrone7343]

RaJa Apres it doesnt make sense. The video says the run should not count if a runner left early. Even if a runner didnt leave early he would be out on the force play. But hes still called safe?

[@HaythamAlsayed]

@@jacobcrone7343 the home plate ump didn't realize it was a force play and called the runner safe because he wasn't tagged

[@gregbrown6430]

Thanks to travel ball, this is something I look for a lot when I umpire Little League Majors and Minors. I would guess that around a third of the kids on our Major teams play travel ball. These players are used to leading off, and then taking a secondary lead as the pitcher releases in their weekend travel ball tournaments. When they're on base in Tuesday evening's Little League game, sometimes they forget about the different rule set.

[@thomasnaeger8960]

Did the ball hit the bat? It looked like ball ran in and went off his hands.... The umpire should never has his mask on while a batted ball is in play. Just amazing...

[@richardschroth4298]

The hands are part of the bat when the batter swings at the ball. Notice the batter didn't have any noticable pain with getting hit on the hand(s).

[@thomasnaeger8960]

@@richardschroth4298 I think I know what you are trying to say here in terms of it being a strike. However, there is a key difference here. Ball striking a batter while attempting to strike a ball is a dead ball. You can not have a play that why I was asking and couldn't tell in the video. Line you hear a lot in clinics and told a lot to coaches. Hands are not part of the bat. Go to any sporting good store. None of them sell a pair of hands with the bat.

[@67L48]

@@richardschroth4298 No. Definitely not. Hands are never part of the bat. EVER. Period. End of story. The hands are and have always been part of the batter ... just like his wrists, ankles, etc. In this specific play, the ball hit the knob of the bat. This is usually evidenced from both the trajectory or the ball and the sound it makes ... and both are easier to judge on the field than in video. But, umpires do miss this quite a bit -- it's a tough play to get right and the actual contact is almost always not in direct eyesight of the home plate umpire. In this case, they got it correct. But, a ball that hits a players hands, even as he grips the bat, is ruled to have hit the player. If the player's hands are in the strike zone, then it's a strike and dead ball ... the same as when players sort of drag the leading elbow into the zone to induce a HBP. If the player swings and the ball hits his hands, then it's a strike and dead ball (not foul, not fair, not any of those things -- immediate dead ball) ... the same as if a he swung at a wicked breaking ball that curled in and hit his ankle. If the player takes an inside pitch that hits his hands out of the strike zone (a ball), then it's a HBP, dead ball, batter awarded 1B. Hands are never, ever, ever part of the bat. Ever.

[@FinesseBTW]

@@richardschroth4298 hands are never part of the bat. If it hits your hands, its a hit by pitch. Also, you can see the batter stop for a second before running because he knew he didn't hit the ball with his bat

[@VTCOINJEWELRY]

I have an off topic question.: I am a little league majors level coach. Last game we had a home plate umpire calling the typical strike on batters who square at the plate to push a bunt out but failed to pull bat back if the ball was outside of the strike zone, the umpire called a strike on a batter who failed to pull back on a bunt attempt when the ball was in the dirt… after the strike was called the opposing coach came to the field and asked for time, his team was pitching or defensive in this instance and he (the coach) stood to gain a strike, the coach then told the umpire that in little league a squared batter attempting to bunt was not an automatic strike if the batter stays squared with bat in bunt attempt position, if the ball is outside of the zone and the batter doesn’t vacate that position or pull back the bat from the zone, he also added “I will take the strike but if I’m being honest this isn’t a automatic strike, that ball wasn’t in the zone and in little league per the official rules, a batter doesn’t have to pull the bat back, if the ball is a ball it’s still a ball, that is not a strike like a swing” Is that coach correct or was he just interpreting rules incorrectly or just plain wrong? In my entire career coaching this is the first guy I have heard say such a thing and I have had every ump and coach on the planet tell me to make sure hunters pulll back if it’s not in the zone otherwise it’s a strike

[@MJHBaseball]

IN baseball the batter is not required to remove the bat on a bunt. For it to be called a strike, the batter must "offer at the pitch." Therefore on a ball in the dirt, if the batter didn't move his bat in an attempt to make contact with the pitch, it should not be called a strike. This is true in ALL baseball rule sets. In Softball, the rule requires the batter to pull the bat out of the strike zone. We tell batters to pull back in baseball because that removes any doubt in the umpires mind of intent.

[@davej3781]

I've called many runners back for leaving early, even taken runs off the board, but I've only had to call 7.13c twice. The crowd goes temporarily insane, there's always at least one loud voice "you're just making shit up now!:".

[@SuperBuellman]

Good stuff. Love your channel.

[@jameschun101]

Why would the run count as safe on a force play?

[@MJHBaseball]

Watch this video about that very issue on this play: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmGVfGZjoq6Kjrs

[@billyfraiser6298]

smh

[@jacobcrone7343]

I dont get it either. If the runner going home was obstructed then sure, but it was the runner behind him going to 3rd? Other video doesnt explain much either

[@stevewarren9160]

When runner at second left early it removed the force

[@jacobcrone7343]

steve warren How? The rules explained in the video say the run should NOT have been given if runner left early. But the kid was still called safe. Doesnt say anything about the force out going away. Watched both videos and neither explain why he is safe

[@chescabler2659]

Why was the runner at home called safe? Clearly the fathers foot was on the plate.

[@larrycase8966]

LMAO

[@nativebutnotofthisworld9792]

wait... how is the kid called safe at home... this is a force out. He should have been called out by a mile.

[@nativebutnotofthisworld9792]

nevermind... just watched the first video

[@aaronbirmingham3617]

Lol the obstruction call

[@caitlynnclark6652]

GREAT JOB!!

[@charleshoops2307]

i must have missed something. runner at home is a force out?

[@toddcohick8970]

I like how Dixie youth has the rule for leaving early vs little league the defensive team can take part of the play if outs are recorded or none of the play and basically a do over by putting runners back where they were at time of pitch.

[@TheCurrentRacerReal]

Are we not gonna talk about the other team being up 10 runs?

[@jeffreyfarwell1152]

I might be missing something but the runner called safe at home wouldn't it be a force out ty Stay safe and healthy everyone

[@ASSASIN-hs5bx]

I noticed that to so technically it's a double play?

[@krovl81545]

Me2. The runner should be called out at home on the force play.

[@joewagner5046]

I guess the force out rule was not in effect today. Looks like the home umpire was oblivious to how many men were on base.

[@snoopyloftis]

In Dixie Youth Baseball 10u when a runner leave early the defense coach can choose to notify the current play or keep the current play except for a ground rule double, or homerun (ball over the fence)

[@nickcurran3105]

How the he!! did the plate umpire call the runner safe at home? That was egregious

[@tannhauser7584]

Why isn't anyone talking about how the ump missed the force out at home.

[@johnleonard6878]

Little League needs to change this rule of runners leaving early. Runners should be able to leave as soon as the pitcher releases the ball this would make the game more interesting . Hit and run can be in play more bunting , runners can steel bases

[@bryanm255]

It's only 60 feet.. they can run as is reaches the batter. Which is fine.

[@pork123100]

Bases loaded ground ball to pitcher throws home catcher catches ball steps on home plate. Why does umpire call runner safe?

[@MJHBaseball]

Watch this video about that very issue on this play: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmGVfGZjoq6Kjrs

[@flipskmule2158]

exactly i saw that too!!!

[@r8rbuzz]

"Poof Play", I had one in an All Star Game, and the coaches were not happy

[@mitchbaker3230]

After fifteen years of umpiring Little League, I have called the "Poof Play" exactly once. I should have bought a Lotto ticket... My coaches were dumbfounded, but let it go. After about 15 minutes, one comes out between at bats and says, "Oh my god, you were right"...

[@joellajuett1060]

MJH great job !!

[@shermankelly9062]

@Joel LaJuett Look close Joel. Batter got hit by pitch. Plate umpire had a brainfart too! LOL. Run scores.

[@drumcircler]

Since no calls of interference or leaving base early were made then why was the runner not a force out at home?

[@ajfinck1]

What you also missed was the runner from third called safe when clearly it's a force play and the all the catcher has to due was step on the plate which is what happen.

[@MJHBaseball]

That was covered in an earlier video, but good catch.

[@user-uv3up3ic4i]

After all that the runner at home was out it was a force play and he call him safe .there were two outs and the inning would be over .

[@SirAidynSage]

Try this one the runner on second leaves early and it looks like the short stop also obstructed the runner that was on second.. it is close and looks like he did obstruct

[@midnightcoolcat2890]

SirAidynSage he’s saying that because the runner still made it to third there is no obstruction.

[@David-iy5nl]

Double clutch mid motion delivery on the pitch , looks like a possible balk. But having an ugly delivery isnt necessarily a balk. This whole play is a nightmare disaster.

[@MJHBaseball]

Since this is Little League with no lead-offs, there are no balks.

[@1975MGB]

the video I'm looking at shows him just pitching the ball

[@jimmyb496]

Exact same thing happened in a game this week, EXCEPT the batter was thrown out at 1st. The runner on 2nd base left way early. The call on the field was that all runners (including the one that scored) were returned to their original base and the Run was not counted. The batter remained Out at 1st. I’ve heard varying opinions on how this may not have been the correct way to handle it. The big difference being that the batter was out at 1st and it changed the situation to 7.13b. Does anyone else agree?

[@mitchbaker3230]

Based on your description, I believe the call was correct. The out stands and runners return to the closest, unoccupied base to where they started. Since the batter was out, this means that each runner returns to their original base.

[@davej3781]

U2 is not in the position I prefer for a runner on 2nd in 4-man. I'm always going to be in C: the 3rd base side of 2B, probably 10 or so feet from the bag, right on the edge of the grass. U2 is in B, and too deep; it's not a good place to watch the runner for leaving early, and really not a good place to see a pick-off play. Also not a good place to see the obstruction by F6, though U3 might have it. That'd position would be ok with no one on, though I prefer to be deeper than that unless the outfield is playing shallow since I have all fly balls in the cone to the fence. Basically R2 gets away with murder because U2 is nowhere to be seen.

[@chadrude]

Ok, I hear what you're saying... but regardless of all that it was base-loaded, force out at the home and the ump still called it safe. What the heck???

[@ButchCoolidge-ji9kt]

The HP umpire missed the call at home probably because he lost track that the bases were loaded. As for leaving too soon, generally speaking it’s not called unless it’s very obvious.

[@MagSeven7]

That's the call that I find most interesting. An obvious force and yet, he got it wrong. Making it worse, I believe I've seen another clip of this play where the entire umpiring crew got together to review the call and still called the kid safe! Obviously, not hearing what they discussed, if I were the plate umpire I'd have to admit I blew the call maybe admitted I lost track of the situation. The runner is clearly out at home!

[@vinceleto]

Rule 7.13 and I looked this up the other day and may have gotten this wrong. Scenario, runners are warned they are leaving early. Same runner that left early is now on third, leaves early, pass ball and scores, I guess that run does not count or do you send them back? What's the point of no leading if their isn't a real penalty? After the warning I called him out.

[@robertbrown7470]

Runner has to go back to third. That is the penalty. Run does not score.

[@richardschulz2371]

How did the home plate u p miss play at home catcher standing on plate.

[@TheHockey12]

I have no clue what the Home plate ump was thinking with the bases full. Obvious force at Home.

[@FinesseBTW]

Is no one gonna talk about the fact that it hit the batter? It looks to me like the ball hit the player and not his bat, and everyone just ran because it looked like it could have hit his bat and they wanted to play it safe. If the ball hit the batter, then the runner on third scores anyway, and everyone else moves up a base.

[@MJHBaseball]

I think it hit the knob of the bat. But if it did hit the batter first, then it would be either 1) a strike dead ball. If 3rd strike the batter's out. That would be the case IF the umpire said he offered at the pitch (check swing). 2) a hit by pitch and batter goes to 1st as you mention. That is IF the umpires say he did not offer at the pitch.

[@garygemmell3488]

Much simpler rule in fastpitch softball. If you leave early the ball is dead and the runner is out. Apparently, the boys in Williamsport believe in group punishment. In PONY baseball it's even more simple. There's no such thing as leaving early in the Bronco division (leading off is permitted and balks are called}, which is the same age group as the LL ball we see on TV every summer. In LL nobody's out and no run scores, and the umpires are required to memorize 17 different scenarios for one rule.. LL never misses an opportunity to makes things difficult. For everybody. It's one of the reasons my former association got rid of every LL contract we had as soon as we could.

[@andyzehner3347]

I get the point of this video and am sure the judgement is correct. But what puzzles me is the nature of the hit. Did the ball hit the knob of the bat? The hitter checks his swing and doesn't move to run for first until he sees the ball rolling away.

[@keithling417]

This rule was changed. When I played Little League, the rule was the base runner could not leave the base until the ball left the pitcher's hand.

[@jacobcrone7343]

Keith Ling even if the runner left early why would the force out just magically not apply on an infield hit

[@midnightcoolcat2890]

It was magically nothing. The ump just blew the call. He explained it in the prior video.

[@bryanm255]

I played in 90s.. it had always been when the ball reaches the plate soo.. at least 30 years

[@jamiedebity3702]

There were two outs, runner leaving early would have made 3rd out.

[@MJHBaseball]

Leaving early in Little League Baseball is not an out. Runner just has to go back...or, read video description. It's all there.

[@xaviersantana2367]

So wait a minute, no run scores but no runner is put out either? Holy crap that would be fun to explain to a coach.

[@skeeter1302]

they call it a poof play. the runner just goes poof and he is gone.......

[@TR-vr5pz]

Runner at 2nd is out, batter was hit by ball, bases would be loaded again, no run scored

[@titan_six]

If the batter was hit and didn’t fully swing it would be a walk, the 2B runner would be out for leaving early regardless.

[@MJHBaseball]

In Little League Baseball the runner leaving early is never called out. He just must return to the base. If the ball is in play, he can't advance further than forced. Then it gets complicated, but never an out for leaving early for baseball. Softball...YES.

[@titan_six]

@@MJHBaseball Ya it was softball that she got called out because she was our winning run on 3B and she stepped off maybe 10-12inches and he called her out. It was her first season playing so I don’t blame her totally, I blame myself for not catching it immediately as 3B coach

[@youtubeguy7542]

To me the batter looked like he was hit

[@caitlynnclark6652]

yesnbut it hit the bat knob too

[@thomasnaeger8960]

I can't tell by the video. But if it strikes the hands while the batter is attempting to strike the ball it's a dead ball, strike. Now in little league the batters hand tend to be so small that I have seen plenty of balls hit the very end of the bat nob and not the hands and that is a live ball if fair. Normally can tell by sound. At higher levels you typically do not get this as there is some overlap at the knob with adult hands. Really only happens on a check swing if the knob comes up at the perfect angle, very rare and still almost impossible to not strike adult hands

[@SirAidynSage]

I have a question for you and anyone else who wants to answer this one..: you have a runner on third.. and you can answer with one or two outs it does not matter but the ruling is a bit different... The batter steps into the box and AS the picture starts his wind up. the batter sticks one foot out of the box like he is not ready but never calls time.. HOW do you rule this one.. 1st part: THE pitcher stops his Motion. What is the call 2nd part: he continues to throw the ball it hits the dirt in front of the plate. what is the call 3rd part: He throws it right down the center of the plate What is the call.. and part 4 is bottom of the sixth Tie score. what is the call? I know what the call is but I want to see if the call is right by others

[@MJHBaseball]

First point: batters do not call time.They ask for time if they want, but the umpire has to grant it. Second Point: In Little League there are not balks and no lead offs. Not that it changes this play, but I'll answer as if this were a typical game on a full field following the normal rules of baseball. If the batter steps out and does NOT confuse or cause the pitcher to mess up in the umpire's judgement, the pitch is legal as pitched. (Ball or strike) If the batter stepping out causes a balk (or interferes with the pitchers delivery), the balk is not called. It's a "no pitch dead ball." Batters may not cause the pitcher to balk or perform some action intended to confuse the pitcher in his delivery. 1: Dead ball. No pitch. Warn the batter. 2: Depends if the umpire believes the delivery was negatively affected by the batter which is likely the case here. Dead ball. No Pitch. 3: Strike. Ball remains Live. 4: Same calls. The inning and score do not affect the call.

[@jonathanwilliams5235]

Much to my surprise I thought a runner could leave the base their on once the pitcher started his delivery I guess not. My ruling would be, force out at home, and if the umpire did not rule the runner on second base out then it would be bases loaded. My disagreement with the narrator of this videos would be, that if a runner is attempting to reach a base that is unoccupied and the fielder impeded his progress than he is awarded the base. If he had been thrown out then the umpire would rule him safe anyway.

[@aimeagle]

How did the home ump call the kid at home safe?

[@itzhax2756]

I don’t know what I would call because the ball hit the batter but I don’t know if he sung or not

[@dorado90]

ITZHAX 27 It looks like the kid hit the ball with the knob of the bat. I’ll give the benefit of the doubt to the blue, he might have heard a “cling” and took it as a hit.

[@jeffreyphillips1234]

Obstruction. Hindered and Impeded without possession of the ball.

[@ddd1234t]

Did the ball hit the batter or the bottom of the bat?

[@johnbeard9408]

I think it’s a hit by pitch and the players weren’t sure. They took off (good play on their parts.)

[@phantomzach6092]

The ball hit the knob of the bat

[@mikeboring2172]

It also looked to me that the ball hit the batter on the hand which would send him to first base and the third base runner scoring, wouldn't it?

[@MJHBaseball]

It hit the knob of the bat, so fair ball in play. Had it hit the hand it would be either 1) a dead ball strike; or, 2) a dead ball "Hit by Pitch." Depends if the umpire determined if he offered at the pitch or not (swung or did not swing.) If it hit his hand and he swung the bat, then it's a strike and if that was strike 3, he's out. Runners remain on their bases. If it was a "hit by pitch" then the ball is dead and runners may not advance., unless of course forced to by the hit-by-pitch.

[@mikeboring2172]

@@MJHBaseball Thanks

[@Watching4Fun_]

It looks like the batter was HBP. Therefore all runners advance a base. Because the runner on second left early, the run doesn't count.

[@hobonickel]

Hard to say for sure but he may have hit the ball with the knob of the bat.

[@VZRhighlights]

Knob of bat k think

[@VZRhighlights]

I think

[@richardschroth4298]

The third base runner was out by force negating the runner leaving early.

[@JMTavares7]

Yeah but the umpire at home (incorrectly) called that runner safe. So the point is they made a compounded mistake. He incorrectly called the runner at home safe, but even if he was somehow safe, the run should not have counted due to the runner on 2nd leaving early. Ideally he should have course just been called out for not beating the throw, but no one is arguing that.

[@davej3781]

NOTHING negates the runner leaving early. It is a bell that rings and cannot be un-rung. Now you may mean that because R3 was ruled out at home (thus eliminating 7.13c from consideration), and BR reached 1B, R2 was forced to 3B so there would have been no effective penalty for leaving early, and that is true. BUT the leaving early is not negated, and all runners remain guilty until the next pitch begins. For example, after the play at home, the catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher and the ball gets past him and rolls towards 2B, the runner now at 3rd breaks for home; if he's out, it stands, but if he's safe he'd be sent back to 3B. This is the approved ruling.

[@JrsScraptacularMom]

The rule of leaving early only applies to younger age groups. If they are 11years old and up and are playing intermediate, junior, or senior level baseball this rule does not apply. At those levels lead offs are allowed. So unless the age group of these teams is known you can not justify that rule.

[@bryanm255]

11-12 is majors. 12-13 is intermediate. It is clear from this video this is majors. This is the smaller field. The rule would apply

[@gavinkendrick8832]

I don’t get some umpires call it hitting u in the hands and arms a dead ball and others call it live can u please explain that in another video

[@MJHBaseball]

Anytime the ball hits the batter while he is still in the batter's box the ball is dead (time is called) and no runners advance. That's the rule at every level and in every league. whether it's a hit-by-pitch, hit by foul ball, or whatever.

[@gavinkendrick8832]

MJH-Baseball how is that ball live then because it looks like it hit him

[@TomThum99]

You're ignoring the fact that the pitcher committed a balk before delivering the pitch.

[@MJHBaseball]

This is Little League. There are no lead offs by base runners and there are no balks.

[@TomThum99]

@@MJHBaseball Right, balks are called "illegal pitches" in Little League. Point is, the pitcher began his motion, hesitated, and then began his motion again before delivering the pitch. This threw off the timing of the runner on second, thus causing him to leave early. So, you really cannot penalize the runner on second for leaving early because it was the pitcher who caused it by breaking the rules.

[@mattwiese6794]

Imagine reading rules come on there little

[@troublet1859]

That's why we play pony and travel ball, these LL lead off rules are just pain in the neck, confuses players and umps alike.

[@bryantaylor3323]

Hard to tell but I think it should have been ruled a foul ball to start with bc the pitch hit the batters hands while swinging. If it hit his hands that is. Before anyone says it. NO the hands are not part of the bat.

[@irish_demon9868]

Brian, it's interesting that you point out that the hands are not part of the bat, but preface that with mistakenly claiming a foul ball should have been called. A ball hitting the batters hand(s) would never be a foul ball. It would be a dead ball and if the batter was deemed to swung at the pitch then it would be a strike. If it was ruled that he didn't swing then it would be a hit by pitch and the other runners, in this case, would have advanced a base, with a run scoring.

[@dorado90]

So there is no leading off? In my league, there is lead off in all division, except T-Ball.

[@67L48]

This is specific to Little League Baseball. People will often use "little league" as a collective term for youth baseball (like we use Xerox to mean a copy or Kleenex to mean facial tissue). However, Little League Baseball is an official entity that has its own rule book. Most baseball leagues have unique rule books. While 80% of these rules are the same, there are some very significant differences. What's true in NFHS isn't in NCAA or OBR or USSSA or Triple Crown or Little League or Babe Ruth or Pony League or Cal Ripken Baseball and on and on and on.

[@1975MGB]

Not if it's an offical Little League.

[@kingstonwood4144]

He was out at home

[@dodgerfan2.927]

Kingston Wood I agree

[@damason724]

How the ball got runner nimrod did you even watch the video

[@Badtothebone-ly5oh]

Why cant they lead off I can?

[@markh9875]

Runners on bases are _constantly_ standing off the base, getting a lead on the next base. What am I missing here?

[@yes1175]

Depends where you play like AAU you can lead

[@coreyhill681]

You missed two more, one the batter got hit by the ball, that should be a walk 🚶‍♀️, two, did you notice every player is on every base, the player should be out because the bases were full, how did that get missed

[@1975MGB]

the ball hit the knob of the bat.

[@mitchellwilliams2060]

What happened was a HBP

[@rumpustime5460]

Good chance that should have been a free base for the batter anyway.

[@cristivoss976]

Ball 1

[@camvincent8229]

Umm that batter was definitely hit and was not off the bat how was the ball even in play?

[@alexh8613]

The ball hit the bottom of the bat. Not his hands. That's why the player doesn't have a broken finger

[@dperl5640]

Would've been a little more helpful if you would have used the play in the video and explained what SHOULD'VE happened. "Had the umpire noticed the runner leaving early in the video, the correct thing to do would have been......."

[@MJHBaseball]

"Had the umpire noticed the runner leaving early in the video, the correct thing to do would have been......." for the umpire to throw his flag and allow the play to continue. After the play is over, apply the rule which is in the description. It's true, the rule book actually tells the umpire to throw a flag if a runner leaves the base early. I have only seen this done one time at the LLWS. Most umpires don't actually have the flag. They then have to wait until the play ends and then call time and announce what occurred and apply the penalty.

[@vernonbell8169]

The kid did not hit the ball the ball hit him should be a walk boy on second out and boy who scores is safe

[@Hendo3737]

Ball struck the knob of the bat, kid didn't even flinch like it might have hit his hands. Listen to the explanation of the rule. A runner leaving early in Little League Baseball, is never out for leaving early. Little League covers this rule very clearly.

[@cristivoss976]

The ball also hit the batters hand not the bat.

[@damason724]

Hands are part of the bat

[@damason724]

@okegameg definitely are sir look at the rules...let me clarify a little better for you.... if a hitter is attempting to swing then the hands are considered part of the bat.... So if his hands are hit in an attempt to hit the ball it is treated just like the bat...

[@davej3781]

@@damason724 I always love it when someone authoritatively and condescendingly gets the rules completely wrong. There are no conditions ever, at all, at any time, where the hands are considered part of the bat, nor treated just like that bat, nor anything resembling the bat. ANYTHING true when the ball touches the hands is true when the ball touches any other part of the body, and vice-versa, because the hands are part of the body, period, end of story.

[@seancasey2492]

But aren’t u allowed to steal

[@sbfarmer8]

you had 1 job. its not to spectate.

[@daveh1758]

When I umpired LLB, the call is only made when absolutely necessary. If it obviously was going to have no impact, pretend not to see it. This would be the baseball equivalent of writing a speeding ticket for going 36 in a 35mph zone. In normal, local games, it's easy to let the whole play run before having to decide its importance... there's no flags being immediately thrown, football-style. The most common occurence was on steals. Leave early and it's a close safe at second = "I've got the runner leaving early!" Leave early and it's a passed ball to the backstop = nothing to see here.

[@hippokrampus2838]

@@daveh1758 I mostly do softball, where we have to make that call right away because it kills the play, but I admit that this does happen in baseball. I like being a spirit of the rule guy, and calling what I see without putting an opinion on it (like if it impacted the play) but especially in regular season LL, runners leave early all the time, calling each one would be doing no favors. Luckily I typically don't do baseball for regular season (except my board is starting to this year, so I will be this season), and haven't been put into a situation where a runner left early in BB, which I thank my stars for because I think the rule is overly complicated compared to softball.

[@67L48]

@@daveh1758 It's a good point about not getting pedantic about the enforcement of the rules, lest you begin making a mockery of the sport itself. I probably err on the side of being too dogmatic in how I officiate and it's something I work on ... relax. It's not game 7 of the world series. Be judicial. ;)

[@kr3oxenigma809]

He didnt even hit the ball lol it hit off of his hand or arm

[@aaronduran466]

KR3OX Enigma it hit the knob of the bat

[@robertgallentine1095]

That kids out. We need to stop ruining baseball with these horrible rules.

[@daddymike1082]

Copy and paste is amazing

[@billyoutuber9700]

Safe ball hit batter

[@greenmanofkent]

Who the heck writes these things - lawyers? Why not just say runner(s) is out for leading, ball is dead. Simple.

[@MJHBaseball]

Well, based on your writing of the rule, once a runner is on base, he can never leave it again without being called out. "Runner is out for leaving, ball is dead." A base hit to the gap? Sorry, your runner left the base so he's out because the rules says, "Runner is out for leaving, ball is dead." So I suppose you'll have to define at what point the runner may leave the base without being out. Also, if a batter hits a double, how does he make it to 2nd since once he touches 1st he can't leave the base to go to second because, "Runner is out for leaving, ball is dead." So if he rounded 1st to go to second, he'd be called out for leaving 1st based on your rule. I suppose you'll have to define at what point the runner is stuck on a base and can not leave it and add that to the part in your rule about when the runner can leave the base. And of course your new simplified rule (which once fixed starts to sound like a lawyer wrote it) calls the runner out which the current rule does not. In short, you may now know why the rules sound like a lawyer wrote them. Thanks for watching.

[@greenmanofkent]

@@MJHBaseball Read my remark again - I wrote "leading", not "leaving"!

[@12Charliesgaming12]

That’s why you should not play little league, way too complicated with the waiting to steal rules and stuff like that.

[@brandonlux4322]

holtyx I know I don't understand playing 46/60 at 12

[@fozzywxman]

What knuckle heads write these rules? ..."runners shall not leave the base, etc"... SHALL NOT = consequence if you do. That consequence should be an out. This rule could, and should, be infinitely simpler. smh

[@shaunseverson6862]

Runner on third is out on force play at home!!!! Period! If he was safe then your analysis would apply. No run scored bases still loaded runner coming home is removed without scoring. You don’t penalize the defense for the offense leaving early. Simple here. Force play at home and the runner is out at home! Jeez

[@MJHBaseball]

Thanks for the comment, and you would be right IF they called the runner on third coming home out, but they didn't. The umpire called him safe. I did mention that at the start of the video, but check out this video about that very play: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmGVfGZjoq6Kjrs

[@cristivoss976]

Shaun, I agree

[@jimmymitchell3797]

MJH-Baseball I think he is saying the call at home was missed. I understand what your point is but the call at home was MISSED!!!

[@umpireva5440]

There's a reason why these guys umpire little league and not higher level games,. They are not very good!!

[@PaintMyTaint]

gay

[@brentvance3958]

Not allowed to lead off. Glad my kid play real baseball not this bullshit.

[@heathermcmillan755]

Out

[@bigmarkymark9669]

I'm confused to which rules these are,, these boys look plenty big to steal at any point.,, lead off and everything., my 10yr olds can steal And lead off anytime,

[@MJHBaseball]

This is Little League Majors (local recreational play). They play on 60 foot fields without lead offs. Many travel teams start lead offs at either 10 or 11.

[@bigmarkymark9669]

yah my home town rec, plays travel rules,, but thanks for educating..,

[@ShankerJN]

Your team can lead off and steal on a 60 foot field? Seems stupid because it's practically impossible to get thrown out

[@bigmarkymark9669]

@@ShankerJN 60 ft? Majors are 12 u.. Dont play on 60

[@ShankerJN]

@@bigmarkymark9669 the llws field has 60 foot bases