Runner Steals second before pitch is released

[illiniwek8]

Situation..........runner steals second before pitch is released by pitcher......he actually makes it to second before the pitch......this is little league....the pitch is thrown and the batter hits a fly ball which is caught....QUESTION: Does the runner have to tag from first or is he safe on second since he established the base before the pitch was release?

[UmpJM]

illiniwek8,

If he acquired 2B before the pitcher began his pitching motion he is not required to retouch 1B on the legal catch of the batted ball. If he has not quite reached 2B at the instant the pitcher begins his delivery, he is required to retouch his TOP base (i.e. 1B) on the legal catch.

The key is beginning of the delivery, not release of the pitch.

If this is "official" LL, Majors level or below, he also left early and is subject to LL 7.13 .

JM