Home Outdoor Sports FAQS Fishing Golf swimming Skiing and Skating Cycling Climbing Other Outdoor Sports Camping

catcher infraction

2016/7/15 16:52:19


Question
In high school softball if a catcher throws a pitched ball to an unoccupied base and there is only two strikes on the batter should the batter be awarded a ball.Thank you for your response.

Answer
Hi Terry,

Thank you for your question!  Let's take a look at rule 6-3-2, 2011 NFHS Softball Rules Book: The catcher shall return the ball directly to the pitcher after each pitch, except after a strikeout or putout made by the catcher, or to play on a base runner.  PENALTY: The batter is awarded a ball.

So, keeping in mind the rule's three exceptions, if the catcher returns a pitch to any player other than the pitcher, and the bases are empty, the batter is awarded a ball.  If the catcher returns a pitch to an unoccupied base, but one or two other bases are occupied, then the batter isn't awarded a ball.  It might seem like a stretch, but this decoy tactic could be considered a play on the other runner or runners.  This decoy tactic has limits, however.  Just because one or more bases are occupied, that doesn't give the catcher the freedom to return a pitch to an outfielder, for example.  In my games, at least, this is an unsporting act and a delay of game and will be dealt with accordingly.

Scott Kelly  
  1. Prev:
  2. Next:
Related Articles
Legal Pitching technique or not?
Force removed on runners by putting out B-R
12U girls fastpitch softball
error or hit?
Rover plays way up.
DP/Flex/DFO/DH
Substitution and re-entry
tryout template
ASA Slow-Pitch Softball Fly Ball Infield Let Drop
More Great Links

runner inteference

QuestionThis situation is from an ASA adult slow pitch softball game.  The bases are loade

legal delivery

Questionpitching regulations fast pitch.  2006 ASA is the book I am currently looking at.

the crow hop

QuestionHey Mark - simple question regarding pitching: Does the pitchers foot have to be on the

Contact management E-mail : [email protected]

Copyright © 2005-2016 Outdoor sports All Rights Reserved