A Guide to the Minor League “No Stealing” Rule Change

By R. Dunn

During this years’ General Membership vote, the membership voted to prohibit stealing at the Minor League level. With this rule change, there have been a number questions about how this rule is to be applied. I want everyone to be clear on the UGSL interpretation of this rule change.

First let’s define “Stealing” a base.

“Stealing” is the act of a runner attempting to advance during a pitch to the batter. a “pitch to the batter” is interpreted to include the flight of the ball from the pitcher to the catcher AND the return trip from the catcher to the pitcher.

This is what is NOT ALLOWED at the Minor League level.

So, in answer to the questions; can a girl advance on a passed ball? NO! How about a wild pitch? NO! These are situations that involve a “pitch to the batter”.

During the game, a few scenarios may surface that that may be a bit confusing when applied to stealing. Let’s run through a few;

Runner on first takes a lead after the pitcher releases the ball (which is allowed).  The catcher, in an attempt to retire the the runner at first, throws to first.  The ball heads off into right field.  Can the runner advance?  Absolutely.  The ball is live and she may advance at her own risk.   

How about if the catcher over-throws the ball back to the pitcher? Can the runner advance? She sure can! There is one caveat however; remember that the pitchers circle is a dead ball area.  Therefore, it is a live ball if the ball falls outside of the circle. As such the runners may advance at their own risk. If the ball stays within the pitchers circle, the ball is dead and no runners may advance.

Here’s another little tidbit; if your girl takes a lead after the ball is released, she must be on her way back to the bag once the ball has been returned to the pitcher. If she hangs off of the ball, she can be called out for “baiting”.