I believe the original post is referring to the ASA rule that allows stealing slowpitch, at the men's levels as well as the women's open level. They can steal as long as play has not ceased and the pitcher does not have the ball. I'm picturing the example that ball 4 has been pitched, but the catcher allowed it to roll away, which means it becomes live. Of course, it still has to meet the criteria that it did not hit the plate or any area in fair territory.