The Overthrow Rules 4.11 for both Pioneer divisions have been rescinded and revamped to encourage the kids (and especially the coaches) to make a play on the runners instead of simply getting the ball back to the pitcher to “kill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.”