The OVERTHROW Rule is Dead!
The Overthrow Rules 4.11 for both Pioneer divisions have been rescinded and revamped to encourage the kids (and especially the coaches) to make a play on the runners instead of simply getting the ball back to the pitcher to “kill the play.” In previous years, attempting plays and missing promoted the kids simply running the bases non-stop or simply throwing back to the pitcher. This is no fun to watch. We want the kids to learn how to play the game and make plays.
With the new rules 4.08(d) in effect, the worst that can happen is giving up 2 bases on an infield hit to all runners on any batted ball. A ball hit to the outfield grass or fielded by an outfielder has no limit on achievable bases.
SCENARIO 1:
Runner on 1st base and Batter hits a grounder to the short stop. An infielder gets the ball and attempts a play at 1st, but unfortunately the ball goes whizzing by the 1st baseman. The Batter/Runner heads to 2nd base and then 3rd base. The runner on 1st base rounds 3rd and heads home.
RESULT #1: The hit ball remained within the infield; therefore, all runners may only advance a maximum of two bases. The runner from 1st base goes back to 3rd; the Batter/Runner remains at 2nd base.
SCENARIO 2:
Runner on 1st base and Batter hits a shot to the right field. By the time the outfielder picks it up and throws the ball back in, the Runner from 1st is rounding 3rd and the Batter/Runner is rounding 2nd base. The fielder attempts a play at 3rd, but unfortunately the ball goes whizzing by the 3rd baseman, so the Batter/Runner heads home.
RESULT #2: The ball was hit to the outfield; therefore, there is no maximum number of bases any runner can safely achieve. The runner from 1st base scores. The Batter/Runner remains where he/she stopped running even if it results in a “home run.”
SCENARIO 1: batter makes it safe to first. defensive player at first throws to the pitcher. The pitcher missed the ball. ” No safe Zone”
Can the runner advance to second?
Question: How does the play end? What keeps the runner from advancing?
Yes. That ball is still live. I wouldn’t suggest doing that in the first half of Pioneer, but technically that is legal. In Pioneer, the maximum a batter/runner can advance is determined by where the ball is hit – infield or outfield.
In softball, the play is considered stopped once the pitcher has achieved control of the ball within the pitcher’s circle is not attempting a play at any base. If a runner attempts to run at this point, she will be called out by the umpire for look-back rule offense.
In baseball at the younger divisions, the play is considered stopped once the pitcher has the control of the ball on the rubber. There is no stealing at this point, so the runners can be called out for leaving the base early.
Ultimately, let’s all remember that this is Pioneer softball and baseball. We don’t want to penalize our players while learning the fundamentals of the game.
Revamp of SCENARIO 1: Ball is hit to the shortstop touches the glove and continues into the outfield.
Is this considered an outfield ball or infield ball?
Infield hit because it was not touched by an outfielder first or reached the grass first.