Question about a High School baseball rule

[BBonds25]

Ok, here's the deal. I assume the rule is the same at all levels, but when I played ball, I thought the rule was that when a runner was on base, he could take a lead when the pitcher toed the rubber, but could not advance towards the next base (be it a steal or hit and run), until the pitcher started his motion. Is this correct, or am I mis-remembering?

I ask because in one of my nephews baseball games, when the opposing team put a runner on 3rd, the coach would have them steal home once the pitcher got into the set position, before he started his motion.

Thanks!
Brad

[Qwikflipz]

I thought they couldn't leave until the pitch leaves the pitchers hand.

[BBonds25]

From what I remember, once the pitcher starts his motion, the runner can leave (hence the term, good jump).

I also remember having to watch the pitchers feet, because there was a lefty in the league who would pitch from the windup with a runner on first, but instead of stepping back with his right foot, he would step off with his left and throw to first (he pitched Paul Byrd style). But once he would step off with his left, you could take off.

[gmoney168]

You can take off at any time. As long as the ball is in play, you can steal.

At least that's the rule around here.

[BBonds25]

So, even before the pitcher makes a motion towards the plate, or a base?

[gmoney168]

So, even before the pitcher makes a motion towards the plate, or a base?

Yep. Once the ball is in play they can take off. That's why in a 1st and 3rd situations with 2 outs you will see the runner on first take off really early so that he can get in a pickle and score the guy from third.

[Velvet Hoop]

As long as there isn't a dead ball or time has been called, a runner can advance whenever they want.

[BBonds25]

ok then. Apparently after 13 years of not playing, i have forgotten a thing or 2.

Thanks guys.

[Stl_Cardinals_Fan]

As long as there isn't a dead ball or time has been called, a runner can advance whenever they want.

That was what I always thought as well. I assume that as long as time hasn't be called, you're free to run...though if you try to steal before he throws the ball you're a lot more likely to get picked off cause then he can just turn around and toss to the bag and set up the run-down.

[JesRey]

Ok, here's the deal. I assume the rule is the same at all levels, but when I played ball, I thought the rule was that when a runner was on base, he could take a lead when the pitcher toed the rubber, but could not advance towards the next base (be it a steal or hit and run), until the pitcher started his motion. Is this correct, or am I mis-remembering?

I ask because in one of my nephews baseball games, when the opposing team put a runner on 3rd, the coach would have them steal home once the pitcher got into the set position, before he started his motion.

Thanks!
Brad

This rule is in pony league i believe. but High School you can run whenever.