4 Baseball & Softball Rules Every Parent Should Know

Have you ever found yourself in the stands after a play wondering…“How is she safe?” or “Why didn’t they get him out?”

You’re not alone, parents. The rules of baseball and softball can become complicated as your child grows in the game. Here are four rules that will make you feel like a pro the next time you prop up your bleacher chair in the stands.

1. Dropped Third Strike

This rule is enforced when the catcher drops the third strike. The batter can then attempt to run to first base — but only in certain circumstances. If the batter reaches first base before being tagged or thrown out, they are safe. The catcher may choose to tag the batter out or throw to first base to record the out.

When can the batter NOT reach first on this play?

The batter cannot run on 0 or 1 outs with a runner already on first base (first base is occupied).

When CAN the batter run?

The runner can run if first base is unoccupied or there are two outs.

Let’s look at two scenarios to further clarify how a defense may approach this play:

Scenario #1:With bases loaded and two outs, the catcher can simply step on home plate for the final force out to end the inning.

Scenario #2:With less than two outs and a runner on first base, the runner may choose to steal on the dropped third strike. They are not forced to run because the batter is automatically out in this scenario.

2. Batted Ball Runner Interference

Runner interference occurs when a baserunner interferes with a defensive player attempting to field a batted ball or contact is made with the batted ball.

In this play:

• The runner is out

• The ball is dead

• Hitter is awarded first base

The fielder has the right of way in this play, and contact does not have to occur for interference to be called. If a runner gets in the way or impedes the play in any way, an umpire can call interference without contact.

There are two exceptions to this rule.

Exception #1

If the ball passes the fielder and then hits the runner, this is not interference.

Example:Imagine a shortstop playing in the baseline who lets a ball go under their glove and the ball then hits the runner in the baseline. This is not called interference and is not an out.

Exception #2

If an error occurs on the play that then hits a runner, this is not interference or an out.

Example:Imagine a second baseman fielding a backhand where the ball boots off their glove and hits the runner running from first base.

3. Look Back Rule (Softball Only)

This rule is more commonly known as the “get the ball back to the pitcher” rule. While this is a softball-only rule, baseball can relate in terms of controlling the run game.

While the concept of getting the ball into the pitcher’s circle may seem like the best move, it does not immediately kill the play.

At that time, any runners not on a base can still make a decision to:

• Advance to the next base

• Return to their previous base

Once they commit to one of those directions, they may not stop or reverse direction unless a play is made on them.

The definition of a “play being made” on the runner can cause confusion among umpires, coaches, athletes, and fans as this is a judgment call. A play can be as simple as the pitcher raising their arms in the direction of a base as if they were going to throw. This eliminates the look back rule and the runner now has freedom to change directions.

This play is most effective in:

• 1st and 3rd scenarios for the offense

• Singles where the runner runs through first base and advances to second before returning to first on the throw back to the pitcher

The runner will be called out when:

1. The ball is in the circle and they leave the base.

2. They stop between bases when the ball is in the circle and no play is made on them.

3. They reverse direction between bases when the ball is in the circle and no play is made on them.

4. Fair / Foul Umpire Expectations

Any time a ball is put in play, the umpire should only call a foul ball. They should never verbally call a ball fair.

Traditionally, this will be the home plate umpire’s call, but the base umpire can override if they are stationed directly down the line where the ball is hit.

The umpire making the call should signal a foul ball by raising their hands in the air and yelling “Foul!”

If the ball is fair:

• No words should be said

• The umpire should signal fair by pointing inside the field

For example:

• A ball fair down the first base line will be signaled by a point to the umpire’s left.

• A ball fair down the third base line will be signaled by a point to the umpire’s right toward the field.

It’s best to let athletes play out the situation until the ball is called dead.

Final Thought for Parents in the Stands

Parents, just as we encourage our athletes to be students of the game, we encourage you to learn alongside them.

Investing time in understanding the rules is one small part of becoming an expert in the stands. The more you understand the game and the expectations of calling a fair game, the more you’ll be able to sit back and enjoy the moments watching your kid play the game they love.