[Mountaineer]

Originally Posted by aceholleran

I don't see why runners can't steal here, majors or above. F2 has every right to throw them out--and then offense can say "we want the IP, not the play." After all, the pitch could be a called strike, and the O must decide if they want strike or base advance.

I have done LL softball for some years, up to Regional level. The intent of this rule, IMHO, is not to penalize offense for what amounts to a defensive miscue.

It's like the "pitcher in circle" rule. This was made to prevent runners "dancing" off the base, not to stop steals or base advances.

Ace in D2, CT

I'm not sure why they can't steal - that's why I'm asking. I have also done a regional in LL and hoping to do a WS soon so I know the intent of the rule. I think that in the major level it gives the offense a "free shot" to advance. If they are thrown out - they elect the IP and put the runners back.