Base Running Question

[greymule]

And that type of set play IS cheating.

I agree that if they're coaching that play and doing it intentionally, it qualifies as cheating, even if the defense is sleeping. It's not really the same as selling a catch. It's in the same category as deliberately sending up the wrong batter in a kids' game, where everyone involved assumes a certain level of honesty, in the hopes the defense won't notice and poor hitters can be skipped.

Famous LL play that occurred around here 30 years ago but is still talked about:

Runners on 2B and 3B, 2 out. With play stopped but the ball still live, the adult 3B coach holds out his hand and calls to the pitcher, "Son, let me see that ball." The kid throws the ball to the coach, who moves out of the way and screams for his runners to get going. (I don't know how the umpires handled it at the time, but I suspect the posters on this board would all rule the same way.)